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Netanyahu Scorns Australian PM as “Weak” Amid Strained Ties
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lashed out at Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, calling him “a weak politician” who “betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia’s Jews.” The remarks came after Canberra announced it would formally recognize a Palestinian state and withdrew the visa of an Israeli lawmaker. In retaliation, Israel revoked visas of Australian diplomats to the Palestinian Authority.
Australia Holds Its Ground
Foreign Minister Penny Wong labeled Israel’s visa revocations “unjustified,” accusing Israel of increasing its diplomatic isolation. Australia has maintained that its recognition of a Palestinian state aligns with its commitment to a two-state solution and international law.
Broader Context in Gaza Conflict
Tensions intensified earlier when Albanese described Netanyahu as “in denial” about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Australia plans to recognize Palestinian statehood at the upcoming UN General Assembly in September, following similar moves by other Western nations. Netanyahu condemned this as a reward for Hamas’s deadly October 2023 attack that triggered the Gaza war.
Political Fallout at Home
Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke struck back, saying “strength is not measured by how many people you can blow up or how many children you can leave hungry,” supporting Albanese’s diplomatic stance. The diplomatic spat is raising concerns about its impact on bilateral ties. Meanwhile, Australia’s top Jewish groups have criticized Netanyahu’s comments, warning that such rhetoric could fuel antisemitism and harm an already vulnerable community.
