Israel cancels Australian diplomats' visas, Wong slams move
And in a drastic escalation of the breakdown in relations between the Albanese and Israeli governments, Mr Sa'ar suggested members of the Albanese Government could be blocked from entering Israel.
Mr Sa'ar said he was responding to the Australian government's decision to recognise Palestine as a state, as well as the refusal to grant visas to several Israeli figures, including last year to the former minister Ayelet Shaked and this week to the Chairman of the Knesset's Constitution, Law and Justice Committee, MK Simcha Rotman.
Mr Sa'ar said he had informed Australia's Ambassador in Israel of his decision to expel Australian representatives.
Australia's representative in the occupied Palestinian territories is career diplomat Bethany Randell. She was only recently appointed to the post and is based in Ramallah.
'I also instructed the Israeli Embassy in Canberra to carefully examine any official Australian visa application for entry to Israel,' he said.
'This follows Australia's decisions to recognise a 'Palestinian state' and against the backdrop of Australia's unjustified refusal to grant visas to a number of Israeli figures, including former Minister Ayelet Shaked and the Chairman of the Knesset's Constitution, Law and Justice Committee, MK Simcha Rotman.
'While antisemitism is raging in Australia, including manifestations of violence against Jews and Jewish institutions, the Australian government is choosing to fuel it by false accusations, as if the visit of Israeli figures will disrupt public order and harm Australia's Muslim population.
'It is shameful and unacceptable!'
Mr Rotman had been granted a visa to visit Australia and speak at a number of events hosted by Jewish organisations.
But Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke accused the far-right MP of spreading hate and division.
'If you are coming to Australia to spread a message of hate and division, we don't want you here,' Mr Burke said in a statement.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the response from Benjamin Netanyahu's government was unjustified and would only further isolate Israel.
'At a time when dialogue and diplomacy are needed more than ever, the Netanyahu Government is isolating Israel and undermining international efforts towards peace and a two-state solution,' the foreign minister said.
'This is an unjustified reaction, following Australia's decision to recognise Palestine.
'We will continue to work with partners as we contribute international momentum to a two-state solution, a ceasefire in Gaza and release of the hostages.'
The Australian Jewish Association said on social media in response to Mr Sa'ar's post: 'Thank you Gideon!'
'The disgusting antisemitism from the Albanese Government deserves a strong response.'
Australia is among a string of traditional allies including France, the UK and Canada who have said they will formally recognise Palestine next month at the United Nations General Assembly, in condemnation of the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
Israel has been bombarding the strip and accused of withholding aid from Palestinians, which is on the brink of famine.
Israel says Hamas is responsible for the starvation in the Strip because its militants have been stealing aid.
Mr Rothman is a member of a party that forms part of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's governing coalition. He has rejected the claims of starvation in Gaza and called for the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza.
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