Israel revokes visas of Australian representatives amid diplomatic row
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The news: Israel revoked the visas of Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority, stating that the move was made in response to Australia's decision to recognise a State of Palestine and the recent visa cancellations of high profile Israeli politicians.
The context: Israel's Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ar, said via a post on X that antisemitism in Australia is rampant and that the Australian government is choosing to fuel it. “This is done through false accusations that visits by Israeli figures would disrupt public order and harm Australia's Muslim population. This is shameful and disgraceful.”
Sa’ar explained that he has instructed the Israeli Embassy in Canberra to thoroughly review every official Australian visa request for entry into Israel.
He said that the move follows the Australian government’s refusal to grant visas to profile Israelis, including politician Simcha Rothman. On Monday, Rothman was unable to travel after his visa had been revoked on the day he was due to fly to Australian to meet with victims targeted in anti-Semitic incidents in Australia as part of a speaking tour. He was also banned from travelling to Australia for three years.
Rothman is part of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's governing coalition and has advocated for the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza, and denied claims of starvation in the enclave.
On the Rothman decision, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said Australia would not accept people travelling to cause division.
Sa’ar added that Australia's ambassador to Israel has been notified about the visa cancellations and the ABC reports that the decision may only affect two staff.
The sources: Gideon Sa'ar X post, ABC News, The Australian
