Israel’s Netanyahu says ‘weak’ Australian PM abandoned Jewish community
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Mr Netanyahu (left) described Mr Albanese as "a weak politician who betrayed Israel" in a post on his official X account.
PHOTOS: REUTERS
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- Netanyahu criticised Albanese, accusing him of betraying Israel and Australia's Jewish community due to strained relations amid the Gaza war.
- Wong called Israel's visa revocation "unjustified," noting increasing diplomatic isolation, while Albanese stated Netanyahu was "in denial" about Gaza's humanitarian crisis.
- Netanyahu cancelled a meeting with Australia's Jewish community, who have faced increased antisemitism since the conflict began almost two years ago.
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JERUSALEM - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Aug 19 his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese had forsaken Australia’s Jewish community and betrayed Israel, a remark that may further strain diplomatic ties tested by the war in Gaza.
Mr Netanyahu’s comment followed Israel’s revocation of the visas of Australian diplomats
“History will remember Albanese for what he is: A weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia’s Jews,” Netanyahu said on the official prime minister’s X account in English.
The Israeli lawmaker had been due to meet with Australia's Jewish community, which has faced a sharp rise in antisemitic attacks since the beginning of Israel's war with Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, almost two years ago.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong on Aug 18 called Israel’s visa revocation counter-step an “unjustified reaction” and said Mr Netanyahu’s government was increasing Israel’s diplomatic isolation.
Israel has been facing mounting international pressure over the toll its military offensive has taken on the civilian population in the shattered Gaza Strip.
Mr Albanese said on Aug 12 that Mr Netanyahu was “in denial” about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Mr Albanese made his remark a day after announcing Australia may recognise a Palestinian state
Mr Netanyahu has said this would serve as a reward for Hamas' Oct 7, 2023, attack
