Israel, Australia Clash Over Visas Amid Palestinian State Recognition Dispute
JERUSALEM – Tensions between Israel and Australia escalated on Tuesday after Israel revoked visas of Australian diplomats in response to Canberra blocking a far-right Israeli politician from entering the country.
The move came just hours after Australia cancelled the visa of Simcha Rothman, a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s governing coalition, who was due to speak at events organized by the Australian Jewish Association.
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced the retaliatory step, saying he had revoked the visas of Australia’s representatives to the Palestinian Authority. He also directed the Israeli Embassy in Canberra to review any future Australian visa applications.
“This follows Australia’s decisions to recognise a ‘Palestinian state’ and its refusal to grant visas to several Israeli figures,” Saar said.
The dispute marks the latest flashpoint in worsening relations between the two countries since Australia declared it would support Palestinian statehood at the UN General Assembly in September.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong criticised Israel’s move, calling it an “unjustified reaction.”
“At a time when dialogue and diplomacy are needed more than ever, the Netanyahu Government is isolating Israel and undermining international efforts towards peace and a two-state solution,” Wong said.
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