Australia’s choice to recognize a Palestinian state has stirred up a diplomatic uproar. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sharply criticized his Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese. Tensions grew after Australia denied a visa to a far-right Israeli politician, prompting Israel to revoke the visas of Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority. This diplomatic friction highlights the complex and deep-rooted issues of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and international recognition.
On a Tuesday, Netanyahu expressed his outrage, calling Albanese’s actions a “betrayal of Israel” and an “abandonment” of the Australian Jewish community. He claimed that history would portray Albanese as a “weak politician.” Australia’s Immigration Minister, Tony Burke, quickly responded, suggesting that Netanyahu’s anger was a “lashing out” over Canberra’s decision to join the UK, France, and Canada in recognizing a Palestinian state.
Albanese later told reporters he did not “take these things personally.” He stressed his intention to treat leaders of other countries with respect and communicate through diplomatic means. His calm response stood in contrast to the heightened rhetoric from Israel. Further complicating Israeli politics, opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized Netanyahu’s comments, labeling them a “gift” to the Australian leader.
Australia’s decision to cancel the visa of Israeli politician Simcha Rothman, a member of Netanyahu’s ruling coalition, triggered the fallout. Rothman had been set to speak at events organized by the Australian Jewish Association (AJA). This action echoed a similar visa denial last year for Ayelet Shaked, a former Israeli justice minister. In response, Israel’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gideon Sa’ar, stated that the Israeli Embassy in Canberra would “carefully examine any official Australian visa application for entry to Israel.” Sa’ar further claimed on X that while antisemitism was “raging in Australia,” the Australian government was “choosing to fuel it.”
Australia’s Jewish community has faced a series of antisemitic incidents in recent months. The AJA announced on social media that Rothman would still join their event virtually and insisted that the “Jewish community won’t bow down” to Australian officials.
When Australia formally announced its recognition of a Palestinian state in early August, Netanyahu responded firmly. He had previously faced criticism from UK, French, and Canadian leaders. During the announcement, Albanese stated that Netanyahu was “in denial” about the human cost of the conflict.
The ongoing conflict, which began after the Hamas-led attack on October 7, has resulted in a heavy death toll. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, over 62,064 people have died in Israel’s military campaign. The October 7 attack killed around 1,200 people, with 251 others taken hostage.Many nations and humanitarian organizations have urged Hamas to release the hostages and end the conflict.
