Mon Aug 18 11:22:23 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the provided text, written from a neutral perspective:

**Australia Cancels Visa of Israeli Lawmaker Over Controversial Views**

**SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – August 18, 2025:** The Australian government has cancelled the visa of Israeli Knesset member Simcha Rothman, citing concerns that his views could promote division within the country. Rothman, a member of the Religious Zionism party, was scheduled to visit Sydney and Melbourne at the invitation of the Australian Jewish Association (AJA).

The decision follows previous Australian sanctions against other members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, over allegations of inciting violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.

Rothman has been a vocal opponent of Palestinian statehood and has advocated for Israel to annex the occupied West Bank. He told Reuters that he was informed his visa had been cancelled due to remarks the Australian government considered controversial and inflammatory, including his claim Palestinian statehood would lead to the destruction of the State of Israel and his call for Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank.

Australia’s Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke said in a statement that the government takes a “hard line” against those who seek to spread division in Australia and that anyone coming to promote a message of hate and division was not welcome.

Rothman’s visit was intended to show solidarity with Australia’s Jewish community, which, according to the AJA, is facing a wave of antisemitism.

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