Israeli soldiers denied entry into Australia over war crimes

Two Israeli soldiers, Omer Berger, 24, and Ella Berger, 22, were unable to travel to Australia after being asked to fill out a comprehensive 13-page visa form typically required for military personnel with potential involvement in conflict-related activities, Israeli media outlet Ynet reported.

The siblings, who applied for visas alongside four family members two months ago, encountered delays while the rest of their family received swift approvals.

The form reportedly contained questions about involvement in war crimes, physical or psychological abuse, and roles in detention facilities. While Omer, a reservist, is awaiting further developments in Thailand, Ella returned to Israel due to the delays.

Australia’s Department of Home Affairs defended the process, stating that the additional paperwork is a standard requirement for some applicants. A spokesperson highlighted that over 11,000 Israeli visas have been approved in the past year.

The case emerges in the wake of heightened international scrutiny of Israeli military actions.

In November, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes in Gaza.

Aaron Berger, a family representative, criticized the delays, alleging they reflect a hostile shift in Australia's policies towards Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The incident follows a similar visa issue involving former Israeli Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked, who was denied entry to Australia in November over concerns about potential "incitement."