Australia has cancelled the visa of Israeli parliamentarian Simcha Rothman and barred him from the country for three years, citing concerns that his public statements—including references to Palestinian children as "enemies" and calls for Israel’s full control of the occupied West Bank—could inflame community tensions. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the government "takes a hard line on people who seek to spread division" and stressed that visitors who promote hate are not welcome. Israel responded within hours by revoking entry visas for three Australian diplomatic staff who work in the Palestinian city of Ramallah and ordering its embassy in Canberra to scrutinise future applications from Australian officials. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar called Canberra’s decision on Rothman "shameful and unacceptable," linking it to Australia’s recent recognition of a Palestinian state. Foreign Minister Penny Wong condemned the Israeli move as an "unjustified reaction" that risks further isolating Israel and undermines efforts toward a two-state solution. She said Australia would continue to push for dialogue and described the tit-for-tat measures as counter-productive. The row marks the sharpest rift in Australia-Israel relations in years. Tensions have been building since Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on 11 August that Australia would vote to recognise Palestinian statehood at the UN in September. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has since accused Canberra of "abandoning Australia’s Jews" and, in a separate letter, warned other governments including France against similar recognitions. Diplomats on both sides say the dispute could complicate security and trade cooperation if left unresolved.