Diplomatic relations between Israel and Australia have sharply deteriorated following Canberra’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intensifying personal attacks against his Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese.
During an interview with Sky News Australia, Netanyahu claimed that Albanese’s political career had been “forever tainted” by what he described as weakness in the face of Hamas, the Palestinian group designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union.
“I think his career is forever stained by the weakness he has shown toward these terrorist monsters of Hamas,” Netanyahu said. Earlier this week, he also branded Albanese “a weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned the Jews of Australia.”
The remarks come after Australia, under Albanese’s leadership, officially announced last week that it would recognize a Palestinian state — joining growing international momentum as France, Britain, and Canada have also signaled readiness to take similar steps.
Albanese, who has Albanian heritage through his father, dismissed Netanyahu’s criticism, saying: “I don’t take these things personally,” emphasizing that he treats other world leaders with respect despite differences.
Tensions between the two governments have already escalated in practical terms. Israel recently revoked visas for Australian diplomats stationed with the Palestinian Authority, following Canberra’s cancellation of a visa for an Israeli lawmaker over what it deemed inciteful and inflammatory statements.
The war of words has also drawn concern from the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, which issued letters to both leaders on August 20 urging them to pursue their differences through diplomacy rather than public attacks. “If there are things that must be said publicly, they should be expressed in a measured and dignified language befitting national leaders,” the letter stated.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu has faced mounting international pressure over Israel’s ongoing military offensive in Gaza, which began after Hamas launched a deadly attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and abducting 251 others. According to reports, more than 62,000 Palestinians have since been killed, while the United Nations has warned of famine and a deepening humanitarian catastrophe in the besieged enclave.
Albanese recently accused Netanyahu of “closing his eyes” to the humanitarian situation in Gaza, calling for unrestricted aid access.
As the diplomatic fallout continues, observers warn that the deepening rift between Australia and Israel risks reshaping longstanding relations, while also underscoring the growing international divide over recognition of Palestinian statehood.