Israel, Australia and Netanyahu
Digest more
While Israel's prime minister has criticised Australia's decision on Palestinian statehood — even calling Anthony Albanese a "weak" leader — experts say this kind of treatment is far from unusual.
Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced the cancellation of Simcha Rotman's visa, saying he intended to "spread a message of hate and division."
Israel's foreign minister said on Monday he had revoked the visas of Australian diplomats to the Palestinian Authority, following a decision by Canberra to recognise a Palestinian state and cancel an Israeli lawmaker's visa.
Penny Wong joined several other foreign ministers urgently calling on the Israeli government to retract its plan to build 3,400 homes in the West Bank.
Prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu has said Israel will begin immediate negotiations for the release of all hostages held in Gaza and an end to the nearly two-year-old war on terms acceptable to Israel. Speaking to soldiers serving in Gaza, Netanyahu said he was meeting commanders to approve plans for capturing Gaza City and defeating Hamas.
Defence Minister Richard Marles says there is no “enduring peace” between Israel and Palestine unless there is a two-state solution. Mr Marles told Sky News Australia that that is the “position” the Albanese government holds.
Australia's relationship with Israel is "the worst it has ever been" after the Netanyahu government revoked visas for Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority.