Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese after a shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney on Chanukah, accusing the government of inaction.
Netanyahu to Australian PM: Antisemitism is Cancer
On August 17, about four months ago, Netanyahu sent a letter to Australian PM Anthony Albanese warning that Australian government policy promotes and encourages antisemitism in Australia.
In the letter he said the PM’s call to establish a Palestinian state “adds fuel to the fire of antisemitism,” rewards Hamas terrorists, and comforts those threatening Australian Jews. He urged the PM to replace weakness with determination.
Your Government Did Nothing
Netanyahu accused the PM of replacing weakness with more weakness and making further concessions, claiming the Australian government did nothing to curb the spread of antisemitism.
He said the government allowed the disease to spread, resulting in the horrific attacks on Jews witnessed today.
Australian PM: We Will Provide Security and Protection
Albanese condemned the attack as a targeted act of antisemitic terrorism on the first day of Chanukah, stating it was an attack on every Australian.
He pledged that Australia has no toleration for hatred, violence, or terror, and that the government will root out antisemitism, affirm solidarity with the Jewish community, and allocate all necessary resources for their safety.
Terrorist Attack in Australia
The Sunday shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney killed 12 people and injured 29.
Israeli authorities reported that one of the deceased was an Israeli citizen.
Two attackers opened fire on crowds celebrating Chanukah; one was shot, and the other was severely wounded.