Australia cancels Simcha Rothman visa ahead of speaking tour

The Australian government canceled the visa of Simcha Rothman, a far-right member of Israel’s Religious Zionist Party, just ahead of a planned speaking tour. The decision, which imposes a three-year travel ban, came as Rothman was due to travel to Australia to participate in events organized by the Australian Jewish Association and to meet with victims of antisemitism and representatives of Jewish institutions. The government said the move was part of a broader policy not to permit entry to visitors who seek to spread division or a message of hate.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed the cancellation, stating that Australia “will be a country where everyone can be safe, and feel safe,” and that “If you are coming to Australia to spread a message of hate and division, we don’t want you here.” The government has increasingly exercised its authority to block figures seen as likely to incite discord, a stance officials say is aimed at protecting social cohesion and public safety.

Rothman, a coalition partner in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government and a prominent member of the Religious Zionist Party, has drawn strong international attention for controversy-tinged...