Australia Rebukes Netanyahu Over “Weak” Jibe at PM Albanese

Canberra [Australia], August 20 : Australia strongly rebuked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after he branded Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese “weak.” The sharp response came from Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, who accused Netanyahu of conflating strength with killing people.

Speaking on Australia’s national broadcaster ABC on Wednesday, Burke stated, “Strength is not measured by how many people you can blow up or how many children you can leave hungry.” His remarks followed Netanyahu’s social media attack on Albanese, in which the Israeli leader claimed that the Australian PM would be remembered as a “weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia’s Jews.”

Burke characterised Netanyahu’s outburst as part of Israel’s broader backlash against countries recognizing a Palestinian state. He defended Albanese’s approach, noting that the Australian PM had personally communicated decisions to Netanyahu before making them public.

Relations between Australia and Israel, traditionally close allies, have soured in recent months due to the ongoing Gaza conflict. The situation escalated further after Canberra announced last week that it would recognize a Palestinian state.

Adding to the strain, Australia revoked the visa of Israeli lawmaker Simcha Rothman, citing concerns over spreading division during a planned speaking tour. In retaliation, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar revoked visas of Australian diplomats to the Palestinian Authority.

Israel continues to face mounting international pressure, including from traditional allies, over the humanitarian toll of its Gaza offensive.