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Israel Revokes Visas for Australian PA Envoys After Canberra Blocks Far-Right MP

The retaliation threatens to disrupt Australia’s consular links with the Palestinian Authority.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Head of the Knesset Constitution, Law and Justice Committee Simcha Rothman speak as lawmakers gather at the Knesset plenum to vote on a bill that would limit some Supreme Court power, in Jerusalem July 24, 2023. REUTERS/Amir Cohen/File Photo
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has slammed Anthony Albanese as a "weak leader". AFP/NewsWire
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Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks at a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia , August 11, 2025. AAP/Mick Tsikas via REUTERS/File Photo

Overview

  • Australia confirmed it will formally recognise a Palestinian state at next month’s UN General Assembly, setting the backdrop for the latest rift.
  • Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke cancelled Knesset member Simcha Rothman’s visa for a planned tour, citing a risk of spreading hate and division.
  • Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar revoked visas for Australia’s representatives to the Palestinian Authority and ordered tighter scrutiny of official Australian visa requests.
  • Foreign Minister Penny Wong called Israel’s response unjustified and said Australia will keep pushing for a ceasefire, hostage releases and a two-state pathway while safeguarding community safety.
  • The Palestinian Authority condemned Israel’s move as unlawful, and the dispute threatens to hamper Australia’s engagement with PA institutions in Ramallah.