Australian minister to fly to Israel to mend fractured relationship - Too little Too late
Netanyahu’s post came after Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar called in Australia’s ambassador, Ralph King, for an official reprimand over the decision to deny Shaked a visa
Sa’ar said the move was
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“based on baseless blood libels spread by the pro-Palestinian lobby in Australia and it is a shame that a friendly country like Australia chose to base it on them instead of the long-standing friendship between the countries”
Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said at the time that his department refused Shaked’s visa because of fears she would “seriously undermine social cohesion” while in Australia
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“Ms Shaked has said that all the Palestinians should leave Gaza
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If somebody wanted to come here and had previously said that they had nominated specific cities in Israel and said they should be completely levelled, I wouldn’t give them a visa to come here and make speeches”
In a speech to parliament after the 07 October 2023 attacks, which killed some 1,200 Israelis [and hostages taken] Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus described Australia’s relationship with Israel as “deep and enduring” and defined by “a bond of true friendship”
