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Netanyahu’s outburst came just days after Australia confirmed on August 11 that it would support Palestine’s statehood bid.
Australia’s support for Palestinian statehood marks another blow to Israel’s shrinking list of diplomatic allies (Reuters File Image)
Israel has continued to escalate its rhetoric against countries recognising Palestinian statehood, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu now targeting Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. In a scathing post on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, Netanyahu labelled Albanese as a “weak politician”.
Netanyahu’s outburst came just days after Australia confirmed on August 11 that it would vote to recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in September. The Israeli leader, visibly angered by the move, posted, “History will remember Mr. Albanese for what he is: A weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia’s Jews.”
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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:History will remember Albanese for what he is: A weak politicianwho betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia’s Jews.
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) August 19, 2025
Despite the personal nature of the attack, Albanese refused to respond. Speaking to reporters, he stated, “I don’t take these things personally. I treat leaders of other countries with respect. I engage with them in a diplomatic way.” He emphasised that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a global issue and that people want to see an end to it, along with a stop to the cycle of violence.
Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke weighed in on the controversy on Wednesday, accusing Netanyahu of “lashing out” at Australia, as he has previously done with other Western nations. “Strength is not measured by how many people you can blow up or how many children you can leave hungry,” Burke told ABC, referencing Netanyahu’s combative tone toward nations such as Britain, France, Ireland, Norway, Spain, and Canada.
In a separate statement targeting those countries, Netanyahu had previously written, “I say to President Macron, Prime Minister Carney, and Prime Minister Starmer: when mass murderers, rapists, baby killers and kidnappers thank you, you’re on the wrong side of justice.”
Tensions escalated further when Australian authorities cancelled the visa of Zionist leader MK Simcha Rothman, citing concerns that his planned speaking tour would “spread division.” In retaliation, Israel revoked the residency visas of Australia’s representatives to the Palestinian Authority.
Australia’s support for Palestinian statehood marks another blow to Israel’s shrinking list of diplomatic allies. Countries pushing for recognition have increasingly called on Netanyahu to address the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and work toward a resolution to the long-standing conflict.
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