CANBERRA: Australian Home Minister Tony Burke has publicly defended his decision to deny a visa to former Israeli minister Ayelet Shaked, citing concerns over potential threats to “social cohesion” in Australia. Shaked, a right-wing politician who exited the Israeli parliament in 2022, was seeking to embark on a public speaking tour in Australia, independent of the Israeli government.

According to Anadolu Agency, Shaked, who previously held the position of justice minister, accused the Australian government of antisemitism following the rejection of her visa application last month. She had planned to participate in a security conference in Canberra and other events organized by the Australia/Israel and Jewish Affairs Council (AIJAC).

Burke, speaking to Sky News, emphasized that his department routinely refuses visas to individuals whose presence might seriously undermine social cohesion. He drew parallels to hypothetical scenarios, indicating that public figures with a history of divisive statements would n
ot be welcome. “Let me put it in these terms, if somebody came here … wanting to make public statements and their previous public statements had included that they wanted all the Jews to leave Israel … I would not give them a visa,” he stated.

He specifically addressed Shaked’s past remarks, including her controversial statement suggesting that Palestinians should leave Gaza. He referenced an interview where Shaked proposed turning the Gazan city of Khan Younis into a soccer field. Burke maintained, “My view is really simple: If you’re simply coming here to demean people, we can do without you.”

Burke reiterated his commitment to a consistent policy against hate speech, regardless of its target. “Whether those hatreds are demeaning of Israelis or demeaning of Palestinians, I’m going to have the exact same hard line,” he concluded.