Australia bans Simcha Rothman citing divisive rhetoric on Hamas
- Simcha Rothman, an Israeli politician, was barred entry into Australia due to his controversial remarks against Hamas and views on Palestine.
- The ban has sparked outrage among Israeli political leaders from various factions, emphasizing concerns over free speech.
- This incident highlights the rising antisemitism within Australia and raises concerns for the local Jewish community amidst shifting foreign policy.
In August 2025, Australia prohibited Israeli politician Simcha Rothman from entering the country as part of a speaking tour to support local Jewish communities facing antisemitism. The decision by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's government was based on Rothman's public statements advocating for the destruction of Hamas, which were considered inflammatory by the authorities. Rothman is a prominent member of the right-wing Religious Zionist Party and plays a crucial role in Israel's ongoing conflicts with Hamas and its policies regarding Palestinian territories. His planned visit was initially approved but later revoked on the day he was scheduled to travel, reflecting increased tensions around Israel-Australia relations surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict. The Australian government's stance came amid rising antisemitism in the country, which has prompted some Jewish leaders to express concerns over their safety and rights. Rothman’s planned events were supposed to convey solidarity with Australian Jews, who have reportedly endured unprecedented acts of antisemitism since the Hamas-led massacres in October 2023. Rothman's rhetoric, describing Palestinian children in Gaza as