Australia revoked on Monday the Israeli MP Simchy Rotman's visa, accusing him of his intention to "spread hatred and divisions". The decision sparked a sharp reaction from Israeli authorities and the escalation of the diplomatic crisis between countries.
Rotman represents the far right spiritual organization of Zionism and was to make a series of speeches in Australia in judaic institutions there. However, the Australian authorities considered that his presence could exacerbate social tensions.
Israeli Response
Israeli abroad Minister Gideon Saar criticized the Australian authorities on the same day for "saturating anti-Semitism persecution of Israel". As part of his reprisal, he cancelled visas of Australian diplomats accredited to the Palestinian Authority, who, however, live permanently in Israel.
Saar besides recommended the Canberra embassy "to carefully consider all authoritative visa applications" from Australia. Australian diplomacy chief Penny Wong assessed Tuesday that the withdrawal of visas to diplomats was an "unwarranted response" to Israel.
The Accusations of Netanyahu
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wrote on the same day in the news on the authoritative account of the Israeli Prime Minister on the X site a harsh criticism at Albanese. "history will remember Albanese as a weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australian Jews," said the Israeli leader.
Netanjah's words mention to Albanese's announcement of last week that Australia will recognise Palestine's statehood at the United Nations General Assembly in September. akin statements were made earlier by the governments of France, large Britain, and Canada, which faced criticism from the Israeli authorities.
The Wave of Anti-Semitism
Following the outbreak of the Gaza War, an anti-Semitic attack, including the arson of synagogues, schools and nurseries, and private homes and cars, passed through Australia in the fall of 2023. Police have classified any of them as acts of terror.
Based on statistical data based on the 2021 census, and published in 2024, it is estimated that about 117,000 Jews live in Australia. They account for 0.46 percent of the country's 25.4 million inhabitants.
Sources used: "PAP" Note: This article was edited with the aid of Artificial Intelligence.
