Overview

• Israel revoked visas for Australia’s representatives to the Palestinian Authority and ordered stricter checks on official Australian visa applications, following Canberra’s refusal to admit Israeli lawmaker Simcha Rothman.
• Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke defended blocking Rothman’s visit by citing the politician’s past remarks about Palestinian children and said the government would deny entry to speakers who risk stoking division.
• Foreign Minister Penny Wong called Israel’s move an unjustified reaction and argued the Netanyahu government is isolating Israel and undermining efforts toward a two‑state solution.
• Netanyahu sent letters to leaders including Anthony Albanese and Emmanuel Macron claiming recognition of a Palestinian state fuels antisemitism and rewards Hamas, as Australia prepares to formalise recognition at the UN in September.
• Community leaders warned of fallout for ties, with the Executive Council of Australian Jewry citing risks to roughly $2 billion in trade, investment links, security cooperation and consular access.