Australia has cancelled the visa of a far-right Israeli MP. The MP, Simcha Rothman, was due to visit Jewish schools and synagogues in the country. However, just hours before the visit, Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed the cancellation of his visa.

“The government has a tough policy on those who come to our country and want to spread division. If you come to spread hatred and division, we do not want you,” said Tony Burke.

Rothman’s visit was cancelled despite the invitation of the Australian Jewish Association. The association said the visit was not directly related to events in the Middle East. “This is a horribly anti-Semitic act. Jews should think twice before coming to Australia,” said chief Robert Gregory.

Canberra has been increasingly critical of Israel in recent months. Australia is planning to recognise Palestine as a state next month.

Simcha Rothman is the head of the Israeli parliament's Constitution, Law and Justice Committee and is known for designing the government's controversial judicial reforms. He has not yet commented on the visa ban. The Israeli interior ministry has also not commented on the matter.

Source: The Guardian