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29m ago

Israel Revokes Visas for Australian Representatives to the Palestinian Authority After Canberra Bars Far-Right Israeli MP

Penny Wong called the step unjustified, saying Australia’s visa decisions aim to protect community safety.

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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
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Overview

  • Israel’s foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar revoked the visas of Australia’s representatives to the Palestinian Authority and ordered tighter scrutiny of official Australian visa applications to Israel.
  • Canberra canceled Knesset member Simcha Rothman’s visa and issued a three-year ban, citing risks to public order and concerns he would spread division.
  • An Australian government letter cited Rothman’s past statements, including calling children in Gaza “enemies,” denying starvation in the territory, and rejecting a two-state solution, as factors in the decision.
  • Penny Wong condemned Israel’s move as unjustified and said Australia will keep pressing for a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages and progress toward a two-state outcome.
  • Tensions have intensified since Australia announced it will recognise Palestinian statehood at next month’s UN meeting and after June sanctions on far-right Israeli ministers, drawing criticism from the Palestinian Authority and from Jewish groups that condemned Canberra’s ban.