Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ar, has revoked the residency visas of Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority. The move comes in response to two key actions by the Australian government: canceling the visa of Israeli lawmaker Simcha Rothman and announcing Australia’s intention to recognize a Palestinian state.
In a statement, Sa’ar condemned Australia’s decisions as unjustified. He accused Canberra of fueling antisemitism and undermining public order by barring Israeli figures, including Rothman—who had planned a speaking tour in Australia. He also instructed Israel’s embassy in Canberra to more closely scrutinize future visa requests from Australian officials.
The Australian government, led by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, defended its denial of Rothman’s visa under its policy of preventing the entry of individuals who might “spread division.”
The Palestinian Authority condemned Israel’s retaliation as illegal and a violation of international law, rejecting the legitimacy of the visa cancellations.
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