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1h ago

Australia Cancels Visa of Far-Right Israeli MP and Imposes Three-Year Entry Ban

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said Australia will bar anyone who seeks to incite division to protect social cohesion.

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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

  • The Home Affairs minister revoked Simcha Rothman’s visa hours before his planned flight and banned him from reapplying for three years.
  • Tony Burke stated the cancellation was aimed at preventing visitors from spreading messages of hate and division in Australia.
  • Rothman, a Knesset member known for advocating annexation of the West Bank and calling Gaza children “enemies,” had been invited by the lian JewishJewish Association to lead a solidarity tour.
  • The Australian Jewish Association and several Israeli officials labelled the move antisemitic, prompting Israel’s foreign minister to revoke visas for Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority.
  • The visa decision follows Australia’s recent sanctions on far-right Israeli ministers and its announcement to recognize Palestinian statehood, intensifying diplomatic strains with Israel’s leadership.