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Foreign ministers

Israel Revokes Visas of Australian Representatives to Palestinian Authority Amid Visa Row

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Israeli government, led by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, has revoked the visas of Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority, citing Australia's "unjustified refusal" to grant visas to Israeli figures and its intention to recognize Palestinian statehood. This decision comes after the Albanese government cancelled the visa of Simcha Rothman, a member of the Religious Zionism party, who was scheduled to speak in Australia. Rothman has been an outspoken critic of Palestinian statehood and has made controversial statements about Palestinians, including describing them as "enemies" and advocating for their removal from Gaza.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Israeli government has revoked the visas of Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority, citing Australia's actions as "unjustified" and "fueling antisemitism".
  • The decision was made after the Albanese government cancelled the visa of Simcha Rothman, a member of the Religious Zionism party, who was scheduled to speak in Australia.
  • Rothman has a history of making controversial statements about Palestinians, including describing them as "enemies" and advocating for their removal from Gaza.
  • The Australian government has barred the entry of other personalities and politicians with a history of controversial statements, including Kanye West, Khaled Beydoun, and Ayelet Shaked.
  • Israeli politicians, including Bezalel Smotrich, Amichai Chikli, and Benny Gantz, have criticized the Australian government's decision, calling it "antisemitic" and "hypocritical".
  • Rothman's party, the Religious Zionism party, has initiated a symbolic motion to "apply" Israel's sovereignty to the occupied West Bank territory, which passed 71-13.

Statistics:

  • 71: the number of Knesset members who voted in favor of the motion to "apply" Israel's sovereignty to the occupied West Bank territory.
  • 13: the number of Knesset members who voted against the motion.
  • 1: the number of democracy in the Middle East, according to Benny Gantz.
  • 2: the number of state solution advocated by Rothman.
  • 1: the number of proposal for removing Palestinians entirely from Gaza, advocated by Rothman.

Sources:

  • [Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) - "Israel revokes visas of Australian representatives to Palestinian Authority amid visa row"]([https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-09-04/australia-israel-visa-row-simcha-rothman-palestinian-authority/10236862](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-09-04/australia-israel-visa-row-simcha-rothman-palestinian-authority/10236862))
  • [The Guardian - "Israel cancels Australian government's visa for far-right politician Simcha Rothman"]([https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/04/israel-cancels-australian-governments-visa-for-far-right-politician-simcha-rothman](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/04/israel-cancels-australian-governments-visa-for-far-right-politician-simcha-rothman))
  • [X (formerly Twitter) - Gideon Sa'ar (@GideonSaar)]([https://twitter.com/GideonSaar/status/1707233564867681792](https://twitter.com/GideonSaar/status/1707233564867681792))
  • [The Times of Israel - "Israel mulls cancelling visas of Australian officials after Israel cancels Rothman’s visa"]([https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-mulls-cancelling-visas-of-australian-officials-after-israel-cancels-rothmans-visa/](https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-mulls-cancelling-visas-of-australian-officials-after-israel-cancels-rothmans-visa/))

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