following a shooting targeting a Jewish gathering in Sydney on December 14, Israeli officials have publicly condemned the Australian government’s response to rising antisemitism, escalating a diplomatic conflict between the two nations. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directly accused Australia of exacerbating antisemitism through it’s consideration of recognizing a Palestinian state [[1]]. The attack, which occurred during Hanukkah celebrations, has prompted widespread concern and accusations of inadequate security measures for Jewish communities in Australia [[2]], [[3]].
Israeli Officials Condemn Australian Response to Rising Antisemitism
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused the Australian government of fueling antisemitism, following a shooting in Sydney on December 14. The incident has sparked a diplomatic row and renewed concerns about the safety of Jewish communities worldwide. “Three months ago, I wrote to the Australian Prime Minister to tell him that [his] policy was pouring oil on the fire of antisemitism,” Netanyahu said, referring to a letter sent to Anthony Albanese in August after Canberra announced its consideration of recognizing a Palestinian state.
President Isaac Herzog was the first to characterize the Sydney attack as antisemitic, stating from Jerusalem: “Our brothers and sisters in Sydney, Australia, were attacked by despicable terrorists in a very cruel attack against Jews.”
Herzog added, “We repeatedly warn the Australian government to take action and fight the massive wave of antisemitism sweeping through Australian society.”
Foreign Minister Gideon Saar expressed his dismay on X, formerly known as Twitter, stating that the attack was “the result of the wave of antisemitism that has swept through the streets of Australia in the last two years.” He insisted, “The Australian government, which has received countless warning signals, must get its act together!”
Opposition leader Yair Lapid described himself as “horrified by the antisemitic terror attack” in Sydney. “Boulder. Manchester. Washington. And now Sydney. The names of more and more cities around the world are becoming synonymous with deadly attacks against Jews,” Lapid posted on X. “To end these horrors, immediate and decisive action is needed at all levels.”
Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir took a harsher tone, claiming, “The blood of the victims is on the hands of the Australian government, which announced the recognition of a ‘Palestinian’ state and legitimized terrorism against Jews.”
The head of the Australian Jewish Association previously stated that Prime Minister Albanese “has not taken adequate steps to protect the Jewish community.”
