"Israeli" soldiers encounter complications in visa applications to Australia

Two "Israeli" soldiers encountered obstacles in their attempt to travel to Australia after being required to fill out a detailed 13-page form, typically designated for military personnel engaged in conflict, as reported by "Israeli" newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth.

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The soldiers, siblings Omer Berger, 24, and Ella Berger, 22, applied for visas two months ago alongside four other family members. While the rest of the family received prompt visa approvals, Omer and Ella were instructed to complete the lengthy application.

This form included probing questions regarding their potential involvement in physical or psychological abuse, their duties as guards or officials in detention facilities, and whether they had taken part in war crimes or genocide.

This situation follows a recent ruling from the International Criminal Court (ICC), which issued arrest warrants for "Israeli" Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity.

In light of the delays, Ella, who had been on a week’s leave from her military service, opted to return to "Israel", while Omer, a reservist, remains in Thailand awaiting further developments.

The Australian Department of Home Affairs clarified that no preferential treatment is being given to "Israeli" citizens in light of the ongoing aggression.

A spokesperson emphasized that the additional paperwork is a standard procedure sometimes required for individual applications, noting that 11,000 "Israeli" visas had been successfully approved over the past year.

This incident adds to a growing list of scrutiny surrounding "Israeli" officials and military personnel.

Notably, the former "Israeli" Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked was denied a visa in November due to concerns about "incitement."

The Department of Home Affairs informed Shaked that her visa application had been rejected under the Migration Act, which allows the government to deny entry to individuals deemed likely to "vilify Australians" or "incite discord" in the local community.

In an interview with "Israeli" media, Shaked claimed her visa denial stemmed from her outspoken opposition to the establishment of a Palestinian state. Consequently, she was forced to cancel her planned participation in a conference organized by an Australian Jewish group.

In response to her visa denial, Shaked condemned the Australian government, accusing it of adopting an "anti-Israeli and extreme pro-Palestinian stance" and suggesting it harbors elements of antisemitism. "These are dark days for Australian democracy,” she stated. “They have chosen to stand on the wrong side of history.”