Australia Cancels Visa of Far-Right Israeli Politician, Simcha Rothman
The Australian government has barred entry to Simcha Rothman, a far-right Israeli politician and member of the Knesset for the Religious Zionism party, ahead of his speaking tour. The decision came just hours before his visit, and in response, Israel has revoked the visas of Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority.
Background and Context
Rothman, who chairs the Israeli parliament's constitution committee, has been known for his controversial views. He has described children in Gaza as enemies
and advocated for Israel's total control of the West Bank. Rothman was scheduled to speak at public events in Sydney and Melbourne, as well as two private events billed as a solidarity tour
.
Meanwhile, protests in support of Palestine have been planned in Australia, with groups like Justice for Palestine Magan-djin (Brisbane) advertising plans to march over Brisbane's Story Bridge, replicating similar protests held earlier this month in Sydney and Melbourne.
Key Developments
The decision to bar Rothman from entering Australia was communicated by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke. Our government takes a hard line on people who seek to come to our country and spread division,
Burke said. He further added, If you are coming to Australia to spread a message of hate and division, we don’t want you here. Under our government, Australia will be a country where everyone can be safe, and feel safe.
In response to this, Israel's foreign minister, Gideon Sa’ar, revoked the visas of Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority. He cited Australia’s “unjustified refusal” to grant visas to Israeli figures and its intention to recognise Palestinian statehood as reasons for the decision. Sa’ar added that he had instructed the Israeli Embassy in Canberra to carefully examine any official Australian visa application for entry to Israel
.
Implications and Reactions
Rothman's visa cancellation has sparked considerable reaction. The Religious Zionism lawmaker described the decision as a surrender to terrorism, antisemitism
. He will not be able to apply for a new visa for three years.
The Australian Jewish Association, which was one of the hosts for Rothman's speaking events, has not provided a response at this time.
Meanwhile, the decision to revoke the visas of Australian representatives in Palestine could potentially disrupt diplomatic relations between Australia and Israel. The Australian government has yet to respond to this development.
Current Status
As of now, the visa of Simcha Rothman remains cancelled, and the Australian representatives in Palestine are without valid visas, marking a significant turn in the diplomatic relationship between the two countries. The situation is fluid, and it remains to be seen how these decisions will impact future relations between Australia, Israel, and Palestine.