‘Strength Isn’t Killing Children’: Australia Hits Back at Israel for Calling PM Albanese ‘Weak’

Australia has strongly responded to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after he called Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese “weak.” In an interview on Wednesday with Australia’s national broadcaster, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said Netanyahu was wrong to equate strength with violence.

“Strength is not measured by how many people you can kill or how many children you can starve,” Burke told ABC Radio. He argued that true leadership comes from honest diplomacy, not aggression.

Benjamin Netanyahu Had Accused Australia of ‘Betraying’ Israel

Netanyahu had attacked Albanese on social media a day earlier, accusing him of betraying Israel and abandoning Jewish Australians. The remarks followed Australia’s announcement last week that it would formally recognise a Palestinian state – a move that has angered Israel.

Burke defended the prime minister’s approach, saying Albanese had been transparent in his dealings. “When there’s a decision Israel won’t like, he speaks directly with Netanyahu, explains it, listens to objections, and then makes the announcement publicly. That’s what real strength looks like,” he said.

Relations between Australia and Israel, once close, have become increasingly strained during the war in Gaza. The recognition of a Palestinian state has deepened the rift.

Tensions escalated further on Monday when Australia cancelled the visa of Simcha Rothman, a far-right Israeli lawmaker and member of Netanyahu’s coalition. Officials said Rothman’s planned speaking tour risked spreading division within Australia. In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced that he was revoking visas for Australian diplomats to the Palestinian Authority.

Gaza War Fueling Rise of Tensions Between Israel and Australia

The diplomatic spat comes as Israel faces mounting global criticism over its military campaign in Gaza. Human rights groups and several governments, including some of Israel’s traditional allies, have condemned the scale of civilian suffering.

According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, more than 62,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel launched its offensive after Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attacks on Israeli towns. The death toll has intensified calls for a ceasefire and recognition of Palestinian statehood.

Australia’s decision to move ahead despite Israeli objections reflects a growing international shift. For Burke, this is not weakness but evidence of principled leadership. “Strength,” he said, “is doing what is right, even when it’s difficult.”

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