Rothman ban sparks Israeli diplomatic retaliation
Australian representatives to Palestinian Authority expelled after visa cancellation
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.”
“At a time when antisemitism is spreading in Australia, including acts of violence against Jews and Jewish institutions, the Australian government chooses to fuel it instead with false accusations, claiming that visits by Israeli figures would disrupt public order and harm Australia’s Muslim population,” Sa’ar stated.
The minister stated in a Hebrew language video message released after the announcement that, “Australia is acting against Israel, Australia is persecuting Israel”.
Sa’ar has promised Israel will take additional measures.
The Australian decision drew condemnation across Israel’s political spectrum, with even opposition figures supporting Rothman despite policy differences.
Blue and White Party leader MK Benny Gantz stated: “MK Rothman and I have stark political and ideological differences, yet Australia’s decision to bar him from entry is not only deeply misguided, but blatantly hypocritical.”
Minister of Aliyah and Integration Ofir Sofer described the Australian government as showing “leniency toward terror instead of standing firmly with justice and truth.”
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called the decision “a historic stain and a disgrace for the Australian government.”
However, Yesh Atid MK Vladimir Beliak criticised colleagues who supported Rothman, stating, “Contrary to Smotrich’s words, the people of Israel do not stand behind Rothman at all. The people of Israel cannot stand Rothman, and they really do not care whether Rothman enters Australia or not.”
The diplomatic crisis represents a significant escalation in tensions between Australia and Israel, coming after Australia sanctioned Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Ben-Gvir in June alongside other nations.