Australia condemns 'Israel's' visa ban on officials as 'unjustified'
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Australia has condemned "Israel's" decision to revoke visas for its representatives to the Palestinian Authority, with Foreign Minister Penny Wong claiming the action undermines peace efforts and humanitarian aid.
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Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong listens to a panel discussion during the Pacific Islands Forum in Suva, Fiji, on July 12, 2022. (WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images)
Australia has strongly criticized "Israel's" decision to revoke visas for Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority, calling the move unjustified and counterproductive to peace and aid efforts. The diplomatic dispute has further strained relations between the two sides, with officials declaring the current state of ties as the worst they have ever been.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong denounced the visa cancellations, saying they would undermine Australia's efforts to support humanitarian aid and promote peace in the region.
"At a time when dialogue and diplomacy are needed more than ever, the Netanyahu government is isolating Israel and undermining international efforts towards peace and a two-state solution," Wong said in a statement on Tuesday.
"This is an unjustified reaction, following Australia's decision to recognise Palestine."
She emphasized that Australia would continue to support a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and international progress toward a "Two-State solution". Wong also reiterated the government’s stance against antisemitism, stating, "The Australian government will always take decisive action against antisemitism."
Read more: Jewish Council of Australia urges action against 'Israel'
Australia maintains support for Palestinian statehood
Finance Minister Katy Gallagher described the move as disappointing, especially given the critical role Australian representatives play in supporting aid coordination and understanding developments on the ground.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had earlier confirmed Australia’s intention to formally recognise Palestinian statehood at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly meeting in September.
"Israel’s" retaliation came after Australia denied visas to several controversial Israeli figures, including Simcha Rothman and former minister Ayelet Shaked. Rothman was barred entry after making inflammatory remarks about Palestinians, including a televised interview in which he referred to Palestinian children as "enemies" and justified not allowing them to flee to "Israel".
Rothman also previously argued that Palestinians should leave Gaza. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke cancelled Rothman's visa, citing concerns that he would "spread division" during his planned speaking tour.
Australia has also denied entry to Hillel Fuld, another Israeli advocate, and imposed sanctions, including travel bans, on two far-right Israeli ministers. The government has applied similar visa bans on individuals with alleged records of hate speech, including US rapper Kanye West.
Read more: Jimmy’s Falafel accused of discrimination over koufiyyeh ban in Sydney
Tensions rise amid broader diplomatic fallout
Gideon Sa'ar, "Israel’s" foreign minister, stated on social media that the cancellations were a direct response to Australia’s recognition of Palestine and the refusal to admit Israeli figures. Sa'ar accused the Australian government of encouraging antisemitism by blocking Israeli visitors and called the decision “shameful and unacceptable.”
A spokesperson from the Israeli embassy in Canberra has said that all future Australian visa applications will be “carefully examined.”
Opposition finance spokesperson James Paterson said the diplomatic fallout has resulted in the worst state of Australia-"Israel" relations to date.
