‘Weak': Netanyahu's stunning attack on Albo
Benjamin Netanyahu vented his anger at recent decisions by the Albanese government, including indicating it would recognise a Palestinian state and ripping up the visa of an MP in his government.
'History will remember Albanese for what he is: A weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia's Jews,' Mr Netanyahu posted on his official X account on Tuesday night. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has slammed Anthony Albanese as a "weak leader". AFP/NewsWire Credit: NewsWire
The backlash comes days after Home Affairs Minister Minister Tony Burke cancelled the visa to allow far-right Israeli MP Simcha Rothman, before Israel retaliated by revoking the visas of Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority.
Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said in a post on social media on Monday that the decision also followed Canberra's decision to recognise a Palestinian state.
'I decided to revoke the visas of Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority. The Australian Ambassador to Israel was just notified on the matter,' Mr Sa'ar said.
'I also instructed the Israeli Embassy in Canberra to carefully examine any official Australian visa application for entry to Israel.
'This follows Australia's decisions to recognise a 'Palestinian state' and against the backdrop of Australia's unjustified refusal to grant visas to a number of Israeli figures, including former Minister Ayelet Shaked and the Chairman of the Knesset's Constitution, Law and Justice Committee, MK Simcha Rotman.' Israeli politician Simcha Rothman has had his visa to Australia overturned. BBC Credit: BBC News
Foreign Minister Penny Wong early on Tuesday slammed Israel's decision.
'At a time when dialogue and diplomacy are needed more than ever, the Netanyahu government is isolating Israel and undermining international efforts towards peace and a two-state solution,' Senator Wong said in a statement.
'This is an unjustified reaction, following Australia's decision to recognise Palestine.
'We will continue to work with partners as we contribute international momentum to a two-state solution, a ceasefire in Gaza and release of the hostages.'
Mr Rothman – who forms a part Netanyahu's political party – was set to appear at speaking events across synagogues and Jewish schools as well as host meetings with victims and visit targeted institutions.
He will now address Australian audiences through a major virtual event via Zoom after his visa was cancelled by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke.
The Australian Jewish Association (AJA) said it would hold 'one large communal event' that would allow Mr Rothman to 'address the Jewish community via Zoom.
In a statement shared on X, the AJA said it had arranged for Mr Rothman to 'speak to many Australian synagogues, schools and other Jewish organisations', and the revoking of his visa was the 'latest of many anti-Semitic attacks on the Australian Jewish community'.
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