Former Israeli Interior and Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked was denied a visa to Australia on Thursday, with authorities citing concerns that her presence could “vilify” Australians or “incite discord.
Shaked, who was scheduled to attend a security conference in Canberra next week, received the decision from the Australian Home Affairs Ministry, according to The Australian.
The ministry referenced the Migration Act, which allows visa denial if an individual’s presence is believed to likely cause social discord or stir conflict within the Australian community.
Shaked served as Israel’s interior minister from 2021 to 2022 and as justice minister from 2015 to 2019. She is known for her strong support of illegal settlements in the Occupied West Bank and is a former member of the New Right party in Israel’s Knesset.
Neither the Home Affairs Ministry nor Australian officials have publicly commented on the decision.
The security conference, organized by the Australian/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council and Strategic Analysis Australia, is set to focus on defense and security matters.
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