Australia and Israel have taken diplomatic efforts against each other as tensions between the two nations over the war in Gaza grow. On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a scathing statement accusing Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of betraying Israel. He called Albanese a weak politician who had abandoned Australia’s Jews, signaling deepening mistrust between the two nations.
Australia’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly marks a significant shift in its foreign policy, with the move aligning it with the United Kingdom, France, and Canada. This decision has been met with strong criticism from Israel, which views the recognition as a direct challenge to its security and international standing. In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has warned of potential visa revocations for Australian diplomats in the Palestinian Authority and instructed Israel’s embassy in Canberra to scrutinize visa applications more carefully.
The conflict has also affected the Jewish community in Australia, where antisemitism has surged following the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023. According to the executive Council of Australian Jewry, the number of anti-Jewish incidents has more than tripled compared to the previous year, highlighting the growing threat to Jewish institutions and individuals. The cancellation of the visa for Israeli lawmaker Simcha Rothman, who was set to conduct a solidarity tour, has further exacerbated tensions, with Jewish organizations in Australia condemning the move as an attempt to marginalize the Jewish community.
Australian Jewish Association (AJA) CEO Robert Gregory has criticized the decision, stating that it sends a dangerous message to Jews living in Australia. Despite the visa cancellation, the AJA has managed to arrange a virtual address by Rothman, expressing solidarity and defiance against those promoting hate. The situation underscores the broader geopolitical tensions between Israel and Australia, with concerns over national security and the impact of diplomatic actions on Jewish communities in both nations.