Australian Home Minister Tony Burke defended his decision on Sunday to deny a visa to former Israeli Minister Ayelet Shaked, saying her planned visit could have threatened “social cohesion.
In his first public statement on the matter, Burke explained that Shaked, a right-wing politician who left the Israeli parliament in 2022, was not applying for the visa on behalf of the Israeli government. She intended to visit Australia for a public speaking tour.
Shaked, a former justice minister, accused the Australian government of antisemitism after her visa was rejected last month. She had applied to attend a security conference in Canberra and other events organized by the Australia/Israel and Jewish Affairs Council (AIJAC).
“My department refuses visas to individuals whose visits could harm social cohesion,” Burke told Sky News. “For example, if someone wanted to make public statements, and had previously called for all Jews to leave Israel, I would deny them a visa.”
Burke also referred to Shaked’s past comments, including her suggestion that all Palestinians should leave Gaza. Last year, she controversially said that the Gazan city of Khan Younis should be turned into a soccer field.
“My position is clear: if someone is coming here to spread hate, we don’t want them,” Burke said. “This applies whether the hatred is directed at Israelis or Palestinians.”
Burke emphasized that he would take the same firm stance against any individual promoting such divisive views.
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