Diplomatic relations between Israel and Australia are under new pressure, with news that three Australian passports were used in the Mossad assassination of a Hamas official. What now for Australia and Israel?

Diplomatic relations between Israel and Australia are under new pressure, with news that the Israeli Mossad agency allegedly tampered with three Australian passports as part of its assassination of Hamas official Mahmoud al-Mabhouh last month.

Foreign minister Stephen Smith said “…if the results of (our) investigation cause us to come to the conclusion that the abuse of Australian passports was in any way sponsored or condoned by Israeli officials, then Australia would not regard that as the act of a friend”.

Former foreign minister Alexander Downer said “My recollection is that over time we have raised this issue with the Israelis. We have raised the issue of Israeli intelligence officers using foreign passports and that they should not consider using Australian passports.”

Israeli Foreign Ministery spokesperson Yigal Palmor said “I haven’t heard any government accuse Israel of being involved in that, not in France, not in Britain, not in Ireland, not in Germany and now not in Australia…There have been many hints, or direct accusations by media (but) … they don’t represent any official stance. We don’t think we should feel concerned.”

What now for Australia and Israel? Here’s what the pundits are saying.

National Times

Daniel Flitton: This is not the way to treat a steadfast friend

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The facts of this case must first be established, but if it’s shown that Israel has abused Australia’s trust, that protection is forever diminished. A long friendship is on the line.

Michelle Grattan: Rudd rides in to save the day

It was, of course, a serious issue and you’d expect him (Rudd) to be out there, but it also gave him a useful opportunity to sound statesmanlike.

The Australian

Greg Sheridan: Theft burned a strong supporter

It is astonishing to find a circumstance in which the PM is condemning Israel. To misuse the Australian connection in this way is a very poor show by the Israelis.

Sydney Morning Herald

Peter Hartcher: Betrayed PM should not be taken for granted by Israel

And this only intensified his (Rudd’s) sense of betrayal.

Courier-Mail

Dennis Atkins: Kevin Rudd’s outrage will have little effect on Israeli

But behind the genuinely angry words from the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister there is an understanding – and probably a grudging acceptance – that this is what Israel does.

Elsewhere

Mark Steven, New Matilda: Passport act ‘Not the act of a friend’

The media’s emphasis on passports speaks to something at the very core of Israel’s war with Palestine — and of today’s global politics. What it speaks to is the role of identity and, more precisely, the significance of names.