Wed Aug 20 07:27:27 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text, followed by a rewritten news article based on that summary:

**Summary:**

Tensions are escalating between Australia and Israel after Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced plans to formally recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly criticized Albanese, calling him “weak” and accusing him of betraying Israel and Australian Jews. This follows Australia’s cancellation of a visa for a far-right Israeli lawmaker. The situation has sparked condemnation and visa revocations from both sides, with concerns raised about the impact on relations with the US and rising antisemitism in Australia. The Australian Jewish community has rejected Netanyahu’s accusations, while the opposition party has pledged to reverse the recognition of Palestine if they win the next election.

**News Article:**

**Australia-Israel Relations Plummet After Palestinian State Recognition Announcement**

**Melbourne – August 20, 2025** – Diplomatic relations between Australia and Israel have hit a new low after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s announcement of Australia’s intent to formally recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly next month. The announcement has triggered a fierce backlash from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who launched a scathing attack on Albanese, accusing him of being a “weak politician” who has “betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia’s Jews.”

The escalating dispute also includes visa revocations on both sides. Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke further aggravated the situation by cancelling the visa of far-right Israeli lawmaker Simcha Rothman, known for his support of continued war and relocation of Palestinians, preventing him from undertaking a planned speaking tour in Australia. In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar revoked visas for Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority and ordered a review of all Australian visa applications.

The Executive Council of Australian Jewry, the nation’s peak advocacy group, expressed “profound disturbance and concern” over the deteriorating relations, but refuted Netanyahu’s claims that Australian Jews feel abandoned by the Albanese government. Alex Ryvchin, co-CEO of the Council, criticized Netanyahu’s “abusive” social media statements as undignified.

Australia’s conservative opposition leader Sussan Ley warned that the strained relationship with Israel could negatively impact Australia’s crucial alliance with the United States, which does not recognize a Palestinian state. She called on Albanese to explain how he intends to repair the damaged relationship.

The controversy unfolds against a backdrop of rising antisemitism in Australia, acknowledged by the government’s appointment of a Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism last year. The opposition has pledged to reverse Australia’s recognition of Palestine should they win the 2028 election.

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