Far-right Israeli politician Simcha Rothman says Australia needs to “decide to be on the side of Hamas … or Israel”, in the wake of his visa being cancelled and Israel’s decision to revoke visas for Australia’s representatives to the Palestinian Authority (PA).
The visa cancellations are the clearest sign of building tensions between Australia and Israel, after Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that Australia would recognise a Palestinian state at next month’s UN General Assembly.
The visa revocation for Australia’s representatives to the Palestinian Authority comes partially in retaliation to Australia’s decision to cancel Mr Rothman’s visa for an upcoming series of appearances at Australian synagogues and Jewish schools, hosted by the Australian Jewish Association (AJA).
Late on Monday evening, Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said his decision was set against a “backdrop” of Australia’s decision to recognise a Palestinian state and the “unjustified refusal” to grant Mr Rothman’s visa, saying the Australian government was choosing to fuel antisemitism.
