Australia Defends Albanese Amid Netanyahu’s Furious Attacks
Australia has found itself in the middle of an escalating diplomatic storm, after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched a furious attack on Anthony Albanese, calling him a “weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia’s Jews.” The backlash followed Australia’s decision to move forward with recognising Palestinian statehood at the United Nations next month.
Netanyahu’s criticism wasn’t just delivered online. Reports revealed he had also sent a formal letter to Albanese, claiming that the move would “pour fuel on the antisemitic fire” and accusing the Australian government of appeasement rather than diplomacy. The sharp rebuke marked one of the most hostile public statements directed at an Australian prime minister in years.
But Australia hasn’t backed down. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke responded directly, saying Netanyahu had “lashed out” not only at Australia but at several other countries choosing to support Palestinian statehood. Burke drew a striking contrast in his remarks: “Strength is not measured by how many people you can blow up or how many children you can leave hungry.” Instead, he framed Albanese’s approach as one of direct, honest diplomacy — telling Netanyahu face-to-face about decisions Australia intended to take, even when they were bound to be unpopular.
Also Read:- Ronaldo Leads Al-Nassr Past Al-Ittihad into Saudi Super Cup Final
- Liberty Halt Lynx Streak with Three-Point Barrage
Relations between Australia and Israel have been deteriorating for months, and tensions hit a new level when the Australian government cancelled the visa of far-right Israeli politician Simcha Rothman. Rothman, a member of Netanyahu’s coalition, had been scheduled to tour Australia, but his history of inflammatory remarks — including describing Palestinian children as enemies — prompted the cancellation. Burke explained that visas could be denied if there was a risk someone would incite division, and in his view, Rothman’s public record posed exactly that risk.
The move angered Israel further. In retaliation, it was announced that visas for Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority would be revoked. However, Rothman himself plans to continue addressing audiences virtually, appearing at Australian Jewish Association events via video link.
Interestingly, Netanyahu’s attacks have drawn criticism even within Israel. Opposition leader Yair Lapid labelled the tirade against Albanese a political “gift” to Australia, describing Netanyahu as “the most politically toxic leader in the Western world.” Lapid suggested that, far from weakening Albanese, the confrontation could bolster his credibility on the international stage.
Back in Australia, the Opposition has seized on the issue, accusing Labor of mismanaging relations with Israel and taking the relationship to “an all-time low.” Shadow Home Affairs Minister Andrew Hastie argued that Rothman should have been treated differently because he is an elected parliamentarian, even if his views are controversial.
Despite the criticism, the Albanese government appears determined to hold its course. Recognition of Palestinian statehood is still on track, and Burke has made it clear that Australia’s visa decisions will not bend to pressure. As he put it, words can be as dangerous as bullets — and the government has a responsibility to protect all communities in Australia, no matter their background.
The clash highlights just how much the debate over Palestinian statehood has shifted globally, and Australia’s stance is now part of that larger, unfolding story.
Read More:
0 Comments