Israeli Lawmaker Blocked From Entering Australia, Antisemitism Alleged

Israeli right-wing politicians lashed out at Australia on Monday after Canberra barred Religious Zionism MK Simcha Rothman from entering the country, accusing the Albanese government of antisemitism and surrendering to extremism.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called the decision “a historical stain and a shame,” blaming “Israeli left-wing activists” and accusing Australia of following “Britain’s disastrous path.”

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich praised Rothman as a proud defender of Israel, while Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli tied the visa cancellation to Canberra’s recent pledge to recognize a Palestinian state, calling it “a broken moral compass and a grave assault on free speech.”

Likud MK Tali Gotliv went further, claiming “Australia has been antisemitic from time immemorial.”

Rothman himself denounced the move as a capitulation to “antisemitism raging in the streets of Australia.” Invited by the Australian Jewish Association (AJA) for a solidarity visit, he had planned to speak at Jewish schools and synagogues and meet with victims of antisemitic attacks.

The AJA said the visa was canceled just hours before his departure. “This is a viciously antisemitic move from a government that is obsessed with targeting the Jewish community and Israel,” said AJA head Robert Gregory. He added that some Jews were now considering emigration.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke defended the cancellation, telling The Guardian. “Our government takes a hard line on people who seek to come to our country and spread division. If you are coming to Australia to spread a message of hate and division, we don’t want you here.”

Israel’s Foreign Ministry has not yet commented.

The move follows a pattern in June, Canberra canceled the visa of pro-Israel activist Hillel Fuld, and last year blocked former justice minister Ayelet Shaked. Smotrich himself was sanctioned by Australia, Canada, and the UK earlier this summer for allegedly inciting extremist violence.

The controversy comes amid heightened global scrutiny of Israel’s war in Gaza, where Hamas’s October 7 attacks killed 1,200 people and took 252 hostages. Around 50 remain in captivity, with roughly 30 believed dead. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for updates.