• The Australian government canceled the visa of far-right Israeli politician Simcha Rothman.
• Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated that Australia won't accept messages of hate and division.
• The cancellation follows Australia's decision to recognize an independent State of Palestine next month.

The Australian government has revoked the visa of far-right Israeli politician Simcha Rothman, who has previously made controversial statements regarding Palestinians, including advocating for their removal from Gaza. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke emphasized that Australia aims to prevent individuals from spreading "division" and "hate," stating, "If you are coming to Australia to spread a message of hate and division, we don't want you here," according to aa and trtglobal.

Rothman was scheduled to speak at an event hosted by the Australian Jewish Association, which described the visa cancellation as a "viciously anti-Semitic move." The chief executive of the association, Robert Gregory, argued that Rothman's visit aimed to express solidarity with Australia's Jewish community and was unrelated to current Middle Eastern events, according to trtglobal and middleeasteye.

This visa cancellation is significant as it occurs just after Australia announced plans to recognize an independent State of Palestine at the upcoming UN General Assembly. This move is seen as part of a broader trend, as Australia previously sanctioned Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich for inciting violence, highlighting a potential shift in Australian foreign policy towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as reported by middleeasteye.