Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faced sharp criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who branded him a “weak politician who betrayed Israel” following Australia’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in September. The August 11 announcement has ignited a fierce diplomatic spat, escalating tensions with tit-for-tat visa cancellations and public rebukes that have strained Australia-Israel relations to a breaking point.
Netanyahu’s scathing remarks, posted on social media on Tuesday, accused Albanese of abandoning Australia’s Jewish community and undermining Israel’s security. “History will remember Albanese for what he is: A weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia’s Jews,” Netanyahu declared. Albanese, undeterred, responded with measured restraint on Wednesday, emphasizing diplomacy. “I treat leaders of other countries with respect. I engage with them in a diplomatic way,” he said, adding that global and Australian sentiment demands an end to the prolonged Israel-Hamas conflict.
The diplomatic row intensified when Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke canceled the visa of Simcha Rothman, a far-right Israeli lawmaker from Netanyahu’s coalition, citing his inflammatory views. Rothman, a member of the Religious Zionism party, advocates for continued military action in Gaza, Palestinian relocation, and Jewish resettlement in the region. Burke defended the decision, accusing Netanyahu of “lashing out” at Australia, as he has done with other nations like Britain, Canada, and France over similar recognitions. “Strength is not measured by how many people you can blow up or how many children you can leave hungry,” Burke told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
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Israel retaliated swiftly, with Foreign Minister Gideon Saar revoking visas for Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority and ordering stricter scrutiny of Australian visa applications to Israel. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong hit back, accusing the Netanyahu government of isolating Israel on the global stage. The escalating feud has raised concerns about Australia’s ties with allies, including the United States, which does not recognize a Palestinian state. Opposition leader Sussan Ley criticized Albanese’s handling of the situation, warning that it could damage relations with key partners and pledging to reverse the recognition if the conservative coalition wins in 2028.
The Australian Jewish community, represented by Alex Ryvchin of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, expressed alarm over the deteriorating bilateral ties but rejected Netanyahu’s claim of abandonment. “When allies speak, they should do so with dignity,” Ryvchin said, criticizing Netanyahu’s abrasive rhetoric. Amid rising antisemitism, highlighted by the appointment of Special Envoy Jillian Segal, and widespread pro-Palestinian protests, including a massive march across Sydney Harbor Bridge, Australia’s multicultural society remains deeply divided over the Israel-Hamas war.
The recognition of Palestinian statehood, set to be formalized at the UN, aligns Australia with nations like France and Canada but breaks from its traditional bipartisan approach to Middle East policy. Albanese defended the move as a step toward a two-state solution, citing commitments from the Palestinian Authority to exclude Hamas from governance and disarm as part of peace negotiations. However, critics, including Israel’s ambassador to Australia, Amir Maimon, argue that the decision bolsters Hamas and undermines peace efforts. As diplomatic tensions simmer, the fallout continues to reverberate, leaving Albanese to navigate a delicate balance between domestic sentiment and international relations.
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