An Israeli politician has had his visa cancelled by the Albanese Government, just a day before he was set to arrive for events with the Jewish community.

Current Israeli politician, Simcha Rothman, who is part of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ruling Coalition, has been banned for three years from visiting Australia.

Rothman, who holds the senior position of Chair of the Knesset’s Constitution, Law and Justice Committee, applied for a visa which was approved about two weeks ago.

He was set to speak at synagogues, in Jewish schools and hold meetings with the Jewish Community. 

The Australian Jewish Association’s chief executive, Robert Gregory, said this now a pattern of behaviour where guests invited by Jewish organisations are having their visas cancelled at late notice. 

“The purpose of his tour was to show solidarity with the Australian Jewish community that has been experiencing a wave of antisemitism,” he said.

“We’d organised visit to see the burnt synagogue of Addis in Melbourne. 

“People in Israel are very worried about the situation for Jews in Australia, that’s why he wanted to come.”

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke told Sky News his government would block anyone spreading “a message of hate and division”.

“Our Government takes a hard line on people who seek to come to our country and spread division,” he said.

“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.”

The shocking decision comes just weeks after revelations the Department of Home Affairs granted Hamas supporter Mona Zahed a Visa.

Ms Zahed, who praised the October 7 attacks on Israel, quickly had her visa cancelled following the Coalition’s call for Mr Burke to resign.

A spokesperson said at the time: “The department has advised … that the visa was cancelled today – the reasons have been communicated directly to the applicant.”

The Palestinian woman shared a series of disturbing posts in the immediate aftermath of the surprise attack on October 7, 2023.

One showed panicked festivalgoers fleeing for their lives, overlaid with her message: “Praise be to Allah who has kept us alive to see this day”.

In another, she declared: “We woke up and got God’s kingdom”.