Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has launched a scathing personal attack on Anthony Albanese, accusing the Australian Prime Minister of “betraying” Israel.
“History will remember Albanese for what he is: a weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia’s Jews,” Netanyahu wrote on social media platform X.
The post marks a sharp escalation in tensions between the two leaders, following Australia’s decision to recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations in September.
Israeli Opposition Leader Yair Lapid criticised Netanyahu’s remarks, saying: “The thing that strengthens a leader in the democratic world today most is a confrontation with Netanyahu, the most politically toxic leader in the Western world … It is unclear why Bibi is in such a hurry to give the Australian Prime Minister this gift.”
Australia’s Opposition Leader Sussan Ley called the incident “troubling,” arguing that Albanese had mismanaged international relationships.
“Regardless of which party is in power, the prime minister of Australia deserves respect. But respect is a two-way street,” she said.
Israel has also revoked visas for Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority, in what its Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar described as retaliation for Canberra’s stance on Palestine and for cancelling visas of Israeli figures, including far-right politician Simcha Rothman.
Sa’ar labelled the move “shameful” and accused Australia of fuelling antisemitism.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong condemned the cancellation as an “unjustified reaction” that further isolated Israel.
The Executive Council of Australian Jewry urged restraint, warning that the fallout threatened $2 billion in trade, investment in Australian start-ups, and vital security and medical ties.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke accused Netanyahu of “lashing out” after Australia denied Rothman a visa, citing his inflammatory comments, including calling Gazan children “enemies” of Israel.
“Strength is not measured by how many people you can blow up or how many children you can leave hungry,” Burke told ABC Radio National, arguing Albanese had shown strength by consulting Netanyahu before the Palestinian recognition decision and standing firm.
Meanwhile, Sky News reported that Netanyahu had written to several world leaders, including Albanese, warning that recognition of a Palestinian state was “appeasement” that “pours fuel on this antisemitic fire.” French President Emmanuel Macron is also said to have received a similar letter.
Source: ABC.
