MADRID, 18 (EUROPA PRESS)
The Australian government has cancelled the visa of far-right Israeli politician Simcha Rothman, accused of spreading "hate speech" against Palestinians, including calls for the expulsion of the population from the Gaza Strip.
Rothman is a member of the National Religious Party, also known as Mafdal, and part of the governing coalition led by Benjamin Netanyahu. He was scheduled to travel to Australia this week to give talks, but Australian authorities revoked his permit and banned him from entering the country for the next three years.
Our government is maintaining a tough line against those who want to come to our country and instigate division," explained Home Secretary Tony Burke. "Australia will be a country where everyone can be and feel safe," he emphasized, according to ABC.
Rothman criticized the Australian government for this measure, which he sees as "clear and flagrant anti-Semitism that incites terrorism." In this regard, he noted that the ban not only affects him, but is also "directed against the Australian Jewish community, the State of Israel, and the people of Israel."
"The State of Israel must teach the entire world not to give in to terrorism," he said, echoing statements by other leaders who criticized Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's announcement last week of his future recognition of the Palestinian state.
For his part, Israel's Minister of National Security, the also far-right Itamar Ben Gvir, has described the measure as "a historical stain and an embarrassment for the Australian government," since he believes it is celebrated by, among others, "Hamas collaborators."
A message of support for Rothman was also echoed by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who urged his compatriot to continue to raise his voice "proudly." "We will not stop until complete victory!" he proclaimed, one of the most repeated slogans since Israel began its offensive in Gaza in response to the attacks of October 7, 2023.
