Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sharply criticized Australia's decision to bar Israeli lawmaker Simcha Rothman from entering the country, calling Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese 'weak' and accusing him of betraying Israel. The move, justified by Australian officials as necessary to prevent division and ensure safety, has triggered a swift diplomatic backlash from Israel, including the revocation of residency visas for Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority and increased scrutiny of Australian visa requests. Rothman, who was scheduled to meet Jewish communities and express solidarity after recent antisemitic attacks, described the ban as an attack on the State of Israel and the Jewish people, warning that appeasing extremists only encourages further violence. The incident has heightened tensions between the two countries, with Israeli officials condemning Australia's actions and emphasizing the need to protect Jewish communities worldwide.

Original article source: https://www.ynetnews.com/article/sj12vpfkgg
Source Id: 2025-08-809784108