NextFin news, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced on August 18, 2025, that Israel has revoked the visas of Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority. The decision was made in Jerusalem as a direct response to the Australian government’s recent recognition of a State of Palestine and its cancellation of visas for several high-profile Israeli politicians, including far-right lawmaker Simcha Rothman.
Sa’ar stated on social media that the Australian ambassador to Israel had been notified of the visa revocations. He also instructed the Israeli embassy in Canberra to carefully review any official Australian visa applications for entry into Israel. The move primarily affects two Australian staff members, including Bethany Randell, the current Australian representative to the Occupied Palestinian Territories based in Ramallah.
The visa cancellations by Israel follow Australia’s refusal to grant entry to Simcha Rothman, a member of Israel’s Mafdal-Religious Zionism party and part of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition. Rothman’s visa was cancelled just days before his scheduled arrival in Australia for a speaking event. Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the government would not accept individuals who come to spread division.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced last week that Australia would recognise the State of Palestine at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September, conditional on the exclusion of the terror group Hamas from governance. Albanese emphasized that a two-state solution remains the best hope for peace in the Middle East.
Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong condemned Israel’s visa revocation as an unjustified reaction that undermines international efforts toward peace and a two-state solution. Wong affirmed Australia’s commitment to diplomacy, ceasefire in Gaza, and the release of hostages.
The Palestinian Authority’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also condemned Israel’s action, calling it an arbitrary and illegal measure that violates international law, including the Geneva Conventions and United Nations resolutions. The Ministry stated it does not recognise Israel’s decision and will continue to engage with Australian diplomats as representatives accredited to the State of Palestine.
This diplomatic tension follows a series of reciprocal visa cancellations and reflects the broader geopolitical dispute surrounding Palestinian statehood recognition and Israeli security concerns.
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