Opposition slams government over Israeli diplomat crisis

The Coalition has strongly criticised the Albanese Government’s handling of relations with Israel after the cancellation of Knesset member Simcha Rothman’s visa triggered the expulsion of three Australian diplomats.

Shadow Foreign Minister, Senator Michaelia Cash, accused the government of “badly mismanaging” the relationship with Israel and called the escalating diplomatic consequences “reckless”.

“It is extraordinary that Home Affairs documents, as reported in the media, reveal the stated reasons for blocking Mr Rothman’s entry into Australia was in part his advocacy for the elimination of Hamas – a listed terrorist organisation,” Cash said.

“To suggest that calls for the destruction of Hamas are ‘inflammatory’ or grounds for visa cancellation is absurd.”

Foreign Minister Penny Wong condemned Israel’s decision to expel the Australian diplomats as an “unjustified reaction” following Australia’s ban on Rothman entering the country.

“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.

The expelled diplomats represent Australia to the Palestinian Authority and live in Israel while maintaining offices in Ramallah.

Cash expressed concern about the deteriorating Australia-Israel relationship and criticised the decision to revoke the diplomats’ visas as “regrettable”.

“Australian diplomats should be allowed to do their work on our behalf in the region,” she said.

The Coalition senator argued that “having a different opinion to the Albanese Government is not grounds for a visa cancellation” and said Australia should “welcome debate and engagement”.

Cash argued that “having a different opinion to the Albanese Government is not grounds for a visa cancellation” and said Australia should “welcome debate and engagement”.

Cash linked the incident to Labor’s decision to recognise a Palestinian state, describing it as “reckless” and noting it was “praised by Hamas itself”.

“At a time when Hamas continues to commit atrocities and regional stability is on a knife edge, Australians deserve a government that stands firmly against terrorism,” Cash said.