Controversial Israeli Journalist Zvi Yehezkeli Faces Potential Visa Denial for Australian Visit

An Israeli journalist, Zvi Yehezkeli, is facing potential denial of entry into Australia ahead of scheduled fundraising events in Sydney and Melbourne next month. The controversy stems from past inflammatory remarks, including a statement suggesting a high number of casualties in Gaza following Hamas’ October 7th attack.

Visa Review Underway

Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke is currently reviewing Yehezkeli’s visa application, stating his surprise that someone with such a history of contentious statements would advertise a speaking tour before securing a visa. “It always surprises me when somebody who has made the sorts of comments that this individual has, advertises a speaking tour before they’ve even received a visa,” Burke said, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

Previous Controversial Statements

Yehezkeli, a commentator on Israeli TV channel i24NEWS covering Arab affairs, has a history of sparking debate. In December 2023, he suggested that Israel should have responded to Hamas’ October 7th attack by killing 100,000 Gazans, acknowledging that not all would be Hamas members. He later apologized for comments he made, clarifying he did not call for the killing of journalists, but only those using press credentials as cover for terrorist activities.

Following the death of Reuters journalist Hussam al-Masri and 19 others in an Israeli strike in August 2023, Yehezkeli accused journalists killed in Gaza of being “terrorist journalists,” stating, “If Israel has decided to eliminate the journalists, better late than never.”

Support and Opposition

Yehezkeli is scheduled to speak at fundraising events alongside former Israeli President Reuven Rivlin and psychologist Dr. Yamit Sol. The events are supported by organizations including Wizo Victoria, the Melbourne Hebrew Congregation, Magen David Adom, Central Synagogue, the Australian Jewish Association, and StandWithUs. The Jewish Independent reports that Yehezkeli built his reputation covering Palestinian politics, Islamist movements, and regional security dynamics.

The peak Palestinian advocacy group in Australia is calling for Burke to deny Yehezkeli a visa.

Recent Visa Decisions

This situation follows a similar case in August 2023, when Burke denied a visa application from far-right Israeli politician Simcha Rothman, who had described Palestinian children in Gaza as “enemies.” Israel subsequently revoked the visas of Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority in response. Jewish influencer Sammy Yahood was recently barred from entering the country for a tour also supported by the AJA, with Burke stating, “spreading hatred is not a good reason to reach.”

Yehezkeli’s Background

Born in Jerusalem in 1970, Yehezkeli served in the Shin Bet security service and diplomatic security roles before becoming a journalist. He studied Middle Eastern studies and Arabic, including living in Palestinian communities, experiences that shaped his reporting on political Islam and Arab societies. He previously worked as head of the Arab Affairs desk at Channel 10 (later News 13).