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Australia and Israel have exchanged visa cancellations after the Australian government moved to recognise Palestinian statehood earlier this month.
In the most recent fracas, Australia revoked the visa of Israeli lawyer and politician Simcha Rothman, while Israel responded by revoking the visas of two Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority.
Rothman has drawn the ire of authorities in Australia because of his comments regarding the conflict between Israel and Palestine.
“The government of Australia need to decide; do they want to be on the side of Hamas or on the side of Israel? Do they want to be in the axis of evil or the axis of good,” he said previously.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has previously announced that Australia intends to recognise a state of Palestine at the next United Nations General Assembly next month, with a condition that the currently elected government of Palestine and identified terrorist group, Hamas, plays no role in future governance.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has confirmed that visas were revoked for Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority.
“The Australian ambassador to Israel was just notified on the matter. I also instructed the Israeli embassy in Canberra to carefully examine any official Australian visa application for entry to Israel,” Minister Sa’ar said.
“This follows Australia’s decisions to recognise a ‘Palestinian state’ and against the backdrop of Australia’s unjustified refusal to grant visas to a number of Israeli figures, including former minister Ayelet Shaked and the chairman of the Knesset’s Constitution, Law and Justice Committee, MK Simcha Rothman.
“While anti-Semitism is raging in Australia, including manifestations of violence against Jews and Jewish institutions, the Australian government is choosing to fuel it by false accusations, as if the visit of Israeli figures will disrupt public order and harm Australia’s Muslim population. It is shameful and unacceptable.”
The Australian government has called for dialogue and diplomacy in the wake of the visa incident.
“This is an unjustified reaction, following Australia’s decision to recognise Palestine,” the Department of Foreign Affairs said.
“We will continue to work with partners as we contribute international momentum to a two-state solution, a ceasefire in Gaza and release of the hostages.
“Australia welcomes different races, religions and views, united by respect for each other’s humanity and for each other’s right to live in peace. We safeguard our communities and protect all Australians from hate and harm.
“The Australian government will always take decisive action against anti-Semitism.”
