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1h ago

Australia Cancels Visa for Far-Right Israeli MP, Israel Retaliates

The ban underscores Canberra’s firmer stance on Israel as it prepares to recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations.

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Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Head of the Knesset Constitution, Law and Justice Committee Simcha Rothman speak as lawmakers gather at the Knesset plenum to vote on a bill that would limit some Supreme Court power, in Jerusalem July 24, 2023. REUTERS/Amir Cohen/File Photo
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Overview

  • Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke invoked his powers to cancel Simcha Rothman’s visa hours before his flight and imposed a three-year entry ban, citing the risk of spreading “hate and division.”
  • Rothman, a member of the Religious Zionism party, was invited by the lian JewishJewish Association for a solidarity tour in Sydney and Melbourne; organisers say his visa had been granted and then revoked at the last minute.
  • In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar revoked visas for Australia’s representatives to the Palestinian Authority and ordered stricter scrutiny of Australian visa applications.
  • The decision follows Australia’s August announcement to recognise a Palestinian state at the UN next month and its June sanctions on far-right Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir.
  • Israeli politicians and Jewish leaders in Australia have condemned the move as politically motivated and warn it may heighten domestic tensions and accusations of antisemitism.