‘Betrayed Israel’: Benjamin Netanyahu Launches Scathing Attack on Australian PM Albanese

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday accused Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of betraying Israel and abandoning Australia’s Jewish community, a statement that could further strain already tense diplomatic relations amid the war in Gaza.

Netanyahu’s remarks came after Israel revoked the visas of Australian diplomats to the Palestinian Authority on Monday. This was in response to Canberra’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state and cancel the visa of an Israeli lawmaker.

Israeli PM Netanyahu Slams Albanese Over Jewish Community Concerns

On his official X account, Netanyahu said in English: “History will remember Albanese for what he is: a weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia’s Jews.” The Israeli lawmaker had planned to meet Australia’s Jewish community, which has seen a rise in antisemitic attacks since the Gaza conflict began nearly two years ago.

Israeli right-wing politicians had also denounced Australia on Monday after Canberra barred Religious Zionism MK Simcha Rothman from visiting the country, calling the decision antisemitic and a capitulation to terrorism.

Israeli Minister Criticized Australian PM for ‘Appeasing Extremists’

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir had labeled the move “a historical stain and a shame for the Australian government,” blasting what he described as “the gloating cries of Israeli left-wing activists, the collaborators of Hamas, and those who defame Israel worldwide.” He warned Prime Minister Anthony Albanese that appeasing extremists would not serve Australia’s interests, saying such policies risked “Britain’s disastrous path.”

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong described Israel’s visa revocation as an “unjustified reaction,” warning that it was increasing Israel’s diplomatic isolation.

The war in Gaza has drawn growing international criticism due to its impact on civilians. On August 12, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is “in denial” about the suffering inflicted on Gaza, and the international community is now saying, “Enough is enough.”

Gaza War Fuels Diplomatic Tension

Albanese made this statement after announcing that Australia may recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in September, following France, Britain, and Canada. Netanyahu has argued that such recognition would effectively reward Hamas for its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which sparked the current Gaza war.

He said that frustration with the Israeli government amid the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza had contributed to Australia’s decision to recognise a Palestinian state.

Also Read: Australia Adopts Resolution to Recognise State of Palestine