A diplomatic row has erupted between Australia and Israel, with Israel’s foreign ministry revoking the visas of Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority. The move comes as a direct response to two recent actions by Australia: its decision to recognize a Palestinian state and the cancellation of a visa for a far-right Israeli lawmaker.
On Monday, Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ar, announced on X (formerly Twitter) that he had ordered the cancellation of the residency visas for Australia’s diplomatic representatives in Ramallah. He also instructed Israel’s embassy in Canberra to carefully vet all future Australian visa applications for entry to Israel. Sa’ar’s actions were taken hours after Australia’s Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke, banned Israeli MK Simcha Rothman from entering the country. Burke stated that Australia would not welcome anyone who seeks to “spread a message of hate and division.”
The visa cancellation for Rothman, a prominent opponent of a two-state solution, was a significant factor in Israel’s decision. Sa’ar accused the Australian government of “persecuting Israel” and “fueling antisemitism” by barring the entry of Israeli figures. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had announced earlier this month that Australia would formally recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in September. This move, which Australia’s government stated is intended to build momentum for a two-state solution, has been condemned by Israel as a “reward for terror.”
The diplomatic escalation highlights the growing international pressure on Israel regarding its policies in the West Bank and Gaza. Australia’s Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, described Israel’s actions as “unjustified” and stated that the Netanyahu government is “isolating Israel and undermining international efforts towards peace.”