Diplomatic tension escalates between Israel and Australia due to a visa dispute

In a significant turn of events, Australia has recognized Palestine, a move that has sparked a diplomatic row with Israel. The recognition, announced on August 19, has been met with strong reactions from both sides.

Israel's Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, responded by revoking the visas of Australia's representatives to the Palestinian Authority. This action was in retaliation to Australia's recognition of Palestine, a decision that goes against Israel's stance on the issue, as it is supported by only a quarter of U.N. members.

The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, criticized Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for supposedly betraying Israel and abandoning Australia's Jews. On the other hand, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong criticized Israel for revoking the diplomats' visas, calling it an "unjustified reaction" that could isolate the country.

The Australian government also cancelled the visa of far-right Israeli politician Simcha Rothman on August 18, citing his actions as seeking to spread division in the country. Rothman, who belongs to an ultranationalist party in Netanyahu's governing coalition, was blocked from entering Israel on August 18.

Gideon Saar also instructed the Israeli Embassy in Canberra to scrutinize any future official Australian visa applications for entry to Israel.

The dispute between the two countries is centred around a visa row, with Israel blocking Australian diplomatic representatives to the Palestinian Authority and Australia cancelling Rothman's visa.

The global push for Palestinian statehood follows the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, which has been ongoing since October 7, 2023. France, Canada, and Britain are among the U.N. members that have recognized or plan to recognize a Palestinian state, with Australia being the latest to join.

However, the action breaks with the long-held view that Palestinians could only gain statehood as part of a negotiated peace with Israel. Tensions between Israel and Australia continue to escalate, with both sides taking hard stances against individuals who they perceive as spreading division.