Israel pulls Australian officials’ visas over Palestinian recognition

Israel said on Monday it would revoke visas held by Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority, in response to Canberra’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state next month.

Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Australian Ambassador Ralph King has been formally notified of the step.

He also instructed Israel’s embassy in Canberra to apply heightened scrutiny to future visa requests from Australians seeking entry to Israel.

Saar linked the move to both Australia’s recognition decision and its refusal to grant visas to several Israeli figures, including former justice minister Ayelet Shaked and parliamentary committee chair Simcha Rothman, a vocal advocate of annexing parts of Gaza.

“While anti-Semitism is raging in Australia, including manifestations of violence against Jews and Jewish institutions, the Australian government is choosing to fuel it by false accusations, as if the visit of Israeli figures will disrupt public order and harm Australia’s Muslim population,” Saar said in a statement.

“It is shameful and unacceptable!” he added.

The row marks a sharp escalation in relations. Following similar moves by France and Canada, the Australian government announced last week it would recognize a Palestinian state, with formal recognition expected at the UN General Assembly in September.

Israel has labelled such moves a “reward for Hamas” after the October 7, 2023 attacks, and a threat to its existence.

Unlike with France and Canada, however, Israel has coupled its criticism of Australia with retaliatory measures over the visa dispute, deepening the diplomatic rift.