Netanyahu says Albanese ‘betrayed’ Israel
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The news: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lashed out at Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday evening, accusing him of having “betrayed” Israel.
The context: In a post shared on the leader’s official X account, Netanyahu said: “History will remember Albanese for what he is: A weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia's Jews.”
The comments follow intensifying relations between Australia and Israel, after both nations cancelled visas of high-profile individuals over the Israel-Palestine conflict.
On Monday, Israel revoked the visas of Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority, stating that the move was made in response to Australia's decision to recognise a State of Palestine and the recent visa cancellations of high profile Israeli politicians. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Israel’s retaliation to cancel visas was an “unjustified reaction” and affirmed Australia’s decision to recognise Palestine.
Israeli politician, Simcha Rothman, was unable to travel to Australia after his visa was revoked on Monday as he was due to fly to meet with victims targeted in anti-Semitic incidents in Australia as part of a speaking tour. He was also banned from travelling to Australia for three years.
Rothman is part of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's governing coalition and has advocated for the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza, he has also denied claims of starvation in the enclave. On the Rothman decision, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said Australia would not accept people travelling to Australia to cause division.
In response to Rothman’s visa cancellation, Israel's Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ar, said via a post on X that antisemitism in Australia is rampant and that the Australian government is choosing to fuel it. “This is done through false accusations that visits by Israeli figures would disrupt public order and harm Australia's Muslim population. This is shameful and disgraceful.”
The sources: Netanyahu X, Penny Wong statement, Gideon Sa'ar X
