The crisis between Israel and Australia is unprecedented. The Australian government has taken a hostile stance toward Israel and no longer bothers to conceal it. The Jewish community feels desperate and powerless, confronted daily with new reports of antisemitism.
Hamas spreads false propaganda, which the media eagerly amplifies, presenting fabricated claims as established fact. Television broadcasts images of suffering in Gaza—starving children and humanitarian hardship—while blaming Israel for allegedly starving an entire population. Even Israel’s supporters are beginning to doubt its moral standing under the constant barrage of misinformation online.
At the same time, politicians in France, Canada, Britain, and Australia align themselves with the growing anti-Israel sentiment without fear of voter backlash. In Australia, the atmosphere has grown especially toxic. The government does little to counter antisemitism. A day after a massive pro-Palestinian rally on Sydney’s iconic bridge, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that Australia would recognize a Palestinian state.
Soon after, Israel’s critics pushed for—and won—the cancellation of a visa for Israeli lawmaker Simcha Rothman, who had been invited by the local Jewish community. Officials claimed he spread “hate and division.” Few moves could more effectively block Israeli advocacy in Australia than preventing Israelis from entering the country and denying them the chance to present their side.
Nitza LowensteinIsrael responded by revoking the residency permits of Australian diplomats serving in the Palestinian Authority, a move for which it was immediately condemned. In turn, Prime Minister Netanyahu posted in English on X—so that, as he noted, his words could not be “mistranslated”—that history would remember Albanese for what he is: a weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australian Jews, prompting Albanese to say Netanyahu is 'in denial' about Palestinian suffering. Relations between Israel and Australia have now reached a historic low.