Australia has cancelled the visa of far-right Israeli politician Simcha Rothman, a member of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s coalition, accusing him of intending to spread "hate and division."

Axar.az reports, citing The Independent, Rothman, part of the Religious Zionism party, was due to visit Sydney and Melbourne for events organized by a conservative Jewish group.

Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke justified the decision by stating that Australia should remain a place where “everyone can feel safe.”

In response, Israel revoked the residency visas of Australia’s representatives to the Palestinian Authority and warned that future Australian visa applications would be “carefully examined.”

The incident follows Australia’s recent announcement that it plans to recognize a Palestinian state at the upcoming UN General Assembly, intensifying tensions with Israel.

Rothman defended his views, which include rejecting Palestinian statehood and advocating Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank, claiming they align with mainstream Israeli opinion.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong criticized Israel’s retaliation, saying the Netanyahu government is isolating itself and undermining peace efforts.