Israeli President Reuven Rivlin has cancelled a planned trip to Australia, choosing to go and meet with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Moscow instead.

The trip, which was due to begin on March 13, was going to be the first visit by an Israeli president to Australia in more than 10 years.

The ABC has learned it was Mr Rivlin's office that approached Australian officials about the possibility of a visit three weeks ago.

A senior Australian official told the ABC that there was a lot of disappointment at the decision to cancel the trip after so many arrangements had been made.

Officials are annoyed a large amount of work went into organising events and dates were moved around to accommodate the President, only for Mr Rivlin to suddenly cancel "for a better offer".

"People feel angry and taken for granted. It burns goodwill," the ABC was told.

The ABC understands Australian officials were left wondering whether their efforts as one of Israel's closest allies were appreciated by Tel Aviv.

Mr Rivlin's office told Israel media he did not want to insult the Australian Government but felt he could not turn down an invitation from Mr Putin when a ceasefire in Syria was on the agenda.