A far-right Israeli politician from Israel’s Religious Zionism party has been denied entry to Australia hours before his visit for a speaking tour, Middle East Eye reports, citing The Guardian.

Simcha Rothman previously called the children in Gaza as “enemies” and called for Israel’s total control of the West Bank.

“Our government takes a hard line on people who seek to come to our country and spread division,” the home affairs minister, Tony Burke said in a statement.

“If you are coming to Australia to spread a message of hate and division, we don’t want you here. Under our government, Australia will be a country where everyone can be safe, and feel safe,” he said.

Rothman will not be able to apply for a new visa for three years, the report said.