Israel revokes the visas of Australian diplomats engaging with the Palestinian Authority as bitter row erupts after Albo’s controversial move

The Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs has announced he has cancelled the visas of Australian diplomats who engage with the Palestinian Authority.

The Australian Representative Office in Ramallah is the government’s presence in Palestine, with Ms Bethany Randell the current Australian representative.

Gideon Sa’ar announced Israel’s decision on Monday, writing on X: ‘I decided to revoke the visas of Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority. 

‘The Australian Ambassador to Israel was just notified on the matter. 

‘I also instructed the Israeli Embassy in Canberra to carefully examine any official Australian visa application for entry to Israel.’

The foreign minister said Israel’s decision ‘follows Australia’s decisions to recognise a “Palestinian state”‘.

He also referenced Australia’s refusal to grants visas to several Israeli figures, which he claimed was ‘unjustified’. 

These figures included former Minister Ayelet Shaked and the Chairman of the Knesset’s Constitution, Law and Justice Committee, MK Simcha Rotman.

Sa’ar claimed: ‘Antisemitism is raging in Australia, including manifestations of violence against Jews and Jewish institutions.’

The Israeli minister went on to accuse the Australian government of ‘choosing to fuel’ antisemitism ‘by false accusations, as if the visit of Israeli figures will disrupt public order and harm Australia’s Muslim population’.

‘It is shameful and unacceptable!’ The statement concluded. 

Randall took on the role of Australian Representative to the Occupied Palestinian Territories from Edward Russell in January 2025. 

Daily Mail has contacted the Australian Representative Office in Ramallah for comment.

More to follow.