August 21, 2025 | 10:49 am
The diplomatic tension between Australia and Israel has escalated after the Australian government responded to an attack from Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, who called the Australian Prime Minister "weak." An Australian minister, on the other hand, accused the Israeli leader of equating strength with violence and mass murder.
In an interview with the Australian national broadcasting agency on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke emphasized that strength is not measured "by how many people you can blow up or how many children you can leave hungry," as quoted from Al Jazeera.
Netanyahu's Jab at Albanese on Social Media
Burke's comments came after Netanyahu sharply criticized Australian PM Anthony Albanese through social media last Tuesday.
Netanyahu referred to Albanese as a "weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia’s Jews." In an interview on the Morning Breakfast program on the National ABC Radio, Burke regarded this "attack" as part of Israel's efforts to attack countries that recognize Palestine.
"Strength is much better measured by exactly what Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has done, which is when there’s a decision that we know Israel won’t like, he goes straight to Benjamin Netanyahu," said Burke, quoted from Al Jazeera, Wednesday, August 20, 2025.
The relationship between Australia and Israel, known as close allies, has deteriorated in the past few months due to tensions from the war in Gaza. However, the tension escalated sharply after Canberra announced last week their decision to recognize the state of Palestine.
Visa Cancellation Policy
The situation heated up after Australia canceled the visa of Israeli right-wing politician Simcha Rothman, who was scheduled to visit a synagogue and Jewish school in Australia. The visit was organized by the Australian Jewish Association (AJA). Rothman is a member of the National Religious Party, Zionist Security led by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
As quoted from ABC Australia, Israel responded to this policy by revoking the visa of the Australian representative serving in the Palestinian Authority on Monday night. The visa revocation was the clearest signal of the escalating diplomatic tension between Australia and Israel, especially after Anthony Albanese announced the plan to recognize the state of Palestine in the upcoming UN General Assembly session next month.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar stated that the visa cancellation decision is related to Australia's recognition of Palestine and is considered as an 'unjustifiable rejection' of Rothman's visa. He also accused the Australian government of choosing to incite anti-Semitism.
The Australian government stated that they had discussions with Israeli Ambassador Amir Maimon about the visa cancellation. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, referred to Israel's action as 'an unjustified reaction' following Australia's decision to recognize Palestine.
"At a time when dialogue and diplomacy are much needed, the Netanyahu government is isolating Israel and weakening international efforts towards peace and a two-state solution," Wong said in a statement.
"We will continue to work with our partners as we contribute to the international momentum for a two-state solution, a ceasefire in Gaza, and the release of hostages. The Australian government will always take decisive action against anti-Semitism," Wong added.
In a statement, the Foreign Ministry of the Palestinian Authority strongly condemned "in the strongest terms, his arbitrary act."
"The ministry deems this act illegal and in violation of the Geneva Conventions, international law, and UN resolutions, which do not grant such authority to the occupying authority," it stated.
Sita Planasari contributed to the writing of this article.
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