The Australian government has revoked the visa of Israeli politician Simcha Rothman, a member of the far-right Mafdal-Religious Zionism party. This decision comes just days before Rothman was scheduled to arrive in Australia for a speaking engagement. Rothman is part of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's governing coalition and has made controversial statements regarding Palestinians.

Rothman has previously advocated for the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza and has denied allegations of starvation in the region. In a May interview with a UK news outlet, he suggested that Britain should allow Palestinians to "run away" from Gaza. He stated that if Britain did not do so, it would be "aiding and abetting a terrorist organisation using them as human shields." Rothman further claimed that these refugees should not be accepted into Israel, asserting, "they are our enemies," and referenced international law regarding refugees during wartime.

Rothman was set to speak at several events in Australia, including one in Sydney hosted by the Australian Jewish Association. However, his visa cancellation includes a three-year travel ban to Australia, a measure that can be applied based on the reasons for visa revocation.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke emphasized the government's stance against individuals who promote division. "Our government takes a hard line on people who seek to come to our country and spread division," Burke stated. He 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."

This action marks the first significant move against a member of Israel's Knesset since the Australian government announced its intention to recognize a Palestinian state at an upcoming United Nations meeting. In June, Australia joined other nations in imposing sanctions on two Israeli ministers, Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, for allegedly inciting violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. Smotrich leads the Mafdal-Religious Zionism party, of which Rothman is a member.