Australia cancels visa of extreme 'Israeli' right-wing politician ahead of scheduled visit

The Australian government on Monday canceled the visa of far-right 'Israeli' politician Simcha Rothman ahead of a planned tour during which he was scheduled to deliver several speeches.

Event organizers described the move as demonstrating “blatant anti-Semitism.”

Rothman, whose party Religious Zionism is part of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ruling coalition, was due to speak at events organized by the Australian Jewish Association.

However, Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated that the country would not allow individuals to enter Australia to sow “division.” He said, “If you are coming to Australia to spread a message of hate and division, we do not want you here. Australia will be a country where everyone feels safe and secure.”

As a result of the visa cancellation, Rothman is barred from entering Australia for a period of three years.

In response, Robert Gregory, CEO of the Australian Jewish Association, said Rothman’s visit aimed to “express solidarity with the Jewish community in Australia, which is facing a wave of anti-Semitism.” He added on social media that the visit “was in no way connected to ongoing events in the Middle East.”

Gregory described the visa cancellation as “a blatant act of anti-Semitism” and accused the Australian government of being “obsessed with targeting the Jewish community and Israel.”