Israel Strikes Back: Visa Ban on Australian Diplomats Over Palestine Recognition

Israel escalated tensions with Australia on Monday after announcing it will revoke the residency permits of Australian diplomats stationed in Ramallah. The move comes as direct retaliation to Canberra’s refusal to grant visas to Israeli Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked, Knesset Constitution Committee Chair Simcha Rothman, and pro-Israel activist Hillel Fuld — as well as Australia’s declared intention to formally recognize a Palestinian state next month.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar conveyed the decision directly to Australia’s ambassador in Tel Aviv, stressing that Israel will not allow foreign governments to delegitimize it while simultaneously seeking diplomatic privileges on Israeli soil. Sa’ar also instructed Israel’s embassy in Canberra to closely review every future visa request by Australian officials. Canberra Chooses Hostility Over Partnership

The standoff erupted after reports in The Guardian revealed that Rothman’s visa was denied just a day before his scheduled arrival in Sydney for events with the local Jewish community. Australia’s Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke, defended the move, saying: “If you come here to spread hate and division, we don’t want you. Under this government, Australia will be a place where everyone can feel safe.” He further noted that Rothman would only be allowed to reapply for entry after three years.

The rejection followed earlier denials of entry to Shaked and Fuld, both of whom accused Canberra’s Labor government of political bias and hostility toward Israel. Shaked argued that she was targeted solely for opposing the creation of a Palestinian terror state, calling the decision “blatant hypocrisy and hostility toward Israel.”

Israel’s Response: Enough is Enough

Foreign Minister Sa’ar blasted Australia’s policy, accusing it of fueling antisemitism rather than confronting it: “Instead of addressing the rampant antisemitism spreading across Australia — including attacks on Jewish institutions and individuals — they are fanning the flames by punishing Israelis. Denying entry to Israeli officials under the false pretense of ‘public order’ only emboldens antisemitism,” he declared.

The diplomatic measure against Australia mirrors Israel’s recent action against Norway, where similar visa restrictions were imposed on diplomats following Oslo’s hostile stance toward Jerusalem.

Recognition of Palestine: A Strategic Betrayal

Last week, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that his government will officially recognize a Palestinian state within weeks. Ambassador Amir Maimon, Israel’s envoy in Canberra, condemned the move, noting that it was made under international pressure: “Australia failed to stand firm. Instead, it joined France, Britain, and Canada in rewarding Palestinian intransigence.”

The decision has sparked outrage within Australia itself, where the ruling Labor Party has been accused by critics of appeasing pro-Hamas voices while alienating Israel and the Jewish community.

What’s Next for Israel-Australia Relations?

The crisis signals a dramatic downturn in relations between Israel and Australia, once considered close allies. The withdrawal of residency permits for Australian diplomats will disrupt their daily operations, as they currently live in Israel while commuting to their offices in Ramallah.

For Israel, the message is clear: support for Hamas or unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state will not come without consequences. As Sa’ar put it, “There is no scenario where Israel tolerates hostile policies abroad while providing a free pass to their diplomats at home.”

The confrontation now raises the stakes for other Western nations weighing recognition of Palestine. With Israel under attack from Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran, Jerusalem is signaling it will not hesitate to take bold diplomatic countermeasures — even against traditional partners.