Israel has cancelled the visas of Australian diplomats working in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, escalating tensions between the Albanese and Netanyahu governments.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong called Israel’s response “unjustified” and said it undermined international peace efforts.
“At a time when dialogue and diplomacy are needed more than ever, the Netanyahu Government is isolating Israel and undermining efforts towards a two-state solution,” Wong said.
“We will continue to work with partners to support a ceasefire in Gaza, release of hostages and momentum towards peace.”
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced the move in retaliation for Australia’s decision to recognise Palestine as a state and to block entry visas for several Israeli figures, including MP Simcha Rotman and former minister Ayelet Shaked.
Sa’ar confirmed he had informed Australia’s Ambassador in Israel of the decision, which directly affects career diplomat Bethany Randell, recently appointed as Australia’s representative in Ramallah. He also warned that Australian government ministers could face visa restrictions if they sought to enter Israel.
“I instructed the Israeli Embassy in Canberra to carefully examine any official Australian visa application,” Sa’ar said.
“It is shameful and unacceptable for Australia to fuel antisemitism while denying entry to Israeli leaders.”
Rotman had been scheduled to address events hosted by Jewish organisations in Australia, but was denied a visa after Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke accused him of spreading “hate and division.”
The Australian Jewish Association (AJA), organiser of the event, has also condemned the Albanese Government’s last-minute cancellation of Rothman’s visa, calling it “a viciously antisemitic move” that caused “maximum harm to the Australian Jewish community.”
AJA CEO Robert Gregory said in a statement that this visit was intended to show solidarity with Jewish Australians facing “a wave of antisemitism” and included meetings with victims, synagogues and schools.
“The timing of the cancellation at the last minute was spiteful and intended to cause maximum harm to the Australian Jewish community,” Gregory said.
“The message from the Albanese Government to Jews is clear and we urge all Jews to seriously consider whether it is safe for them to visit Australia under this government.”
The AJA vowed to continue with a large communal event where Rothman addressed the community via Zoom, tweeting:
“The Jew-haters will not win.”
The diplomatic clash comes as Hamas announced it had accepted a new proposal for a 60-day ceasefire with Israel, which includes the release of some hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
