Rothman ban sparks Israeli diplomatic retaliation

Israel has expelled Australian diplomatic representatives and imposed additional visa restrictions in direct retaliation for Australia’s decision to bar Religious Zionist Party MK Simcha Rothman from entering the country for three years.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced on Monday the immediate revocation of residence permits for Australia’s representatives to the Palestinian Authority operating in Israel, while implementing comprehensive screening procedures for all Australian visa applications.

Three registered diplomatic personnel residing within Israeli territory face immediate expulsion, with their authorised status terminating without delay.

The decisive action responds to Australia’s last-minute cancellation of Rothman’s visa, which occurred less than 24 hours before his scheduled departure for a solidarity tour with Australia’s Jewish community.

Sa’ar’s office presented the decisions to the Australian ambassador, citing Australia’s September decision to recognise a Palestinian state and its “unjustified refusal to grant visas to a number of Israeli figures, including former Minister Ayelet Shaked and the Chairman of the Knesset’s Constitution, Law and Justice Committee, MK Simcha Rothman.”