Israeli soldiers face visa denials over war crimes questions in Australia

Two Israeli soldiers, Omer Berger, 24, and Ella Berger, 22, have not been able to fly to Australia after being asked to complete an extensive 13-page document, typically required for military personnel involved in war, the Israeli paper Ynet reported.

The pair were among six family members who applied for visas two months ago. While all other family members were approved quickly, Omer and Ella were instructed to fill out the extended form. The questions included whether they had been involved in physical or psychological abuse, worked as guards or officials in detention facilities, or participated in war crimes or genocide.

Ella, granted a week's leave from her military duties, opted to return to Israel after the delays, while Omer, a reservist, remains in Thailand.

Australia's Department of Home Affairs denied any special treatment for Israeli citizens during the ongoing conflict. A spokesperson clarified that the additional form is a standard procedure, occasionally requested for individual applications, and emphasised that 11,000 Israeli visas had been granted in the past year.