Benjamin Netanyahu slams ‘weak' Anthony Albanese, claims he ‘betrayed Israel'
Netanyahu, Israel's Prime Minister, launched the wildly personal attack on social media platform X on Tuesday.
'History will remember Albanese for what he is: A weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia's Jews,' read his post.
It comes after three Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority had their visas revoked by Israel amid a diplomatic stoush.
The move was seen as retaliation for Australia's move to recognise the state of Palestine and refuse visas of significant Israel figures.
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Perth Now
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Israel weighs Hamas response to Gaza ceasefire proposal
Israel is studying Hamas' response to a Gaza Strip ceasefire proposal for a 60-day truce and the release of half the hostages still held in the enclave, two Israeli officials say, although one source reiterated that all Israeli captives must be freed for the war to end. Efforts to pause the fighting gained new momentum over the past week after Israel announced plans for a new offensive to seize control of Gaza City at the heart of the enclave. Mediators Egypt and Qatar have been pushing to restart indirect talks between the sides on a US-backed ceasefire plan. The proposal includes the release of 200 Palestinian convicts jailed in Israel and an unspecified number of imprisoned women and minors, in return for 10 living and 18 deceased hostages from the Gaza Strip, according to a Hamas official. "In #Gaza, UNRWA schools have become shelters for hundreds of thousands of sought protection under the UN flag only for these shelters to become a place for death including for too many place is safe for #children in Gaza.#CeasefireNow"— UNRWA… UNRWA (@UNRWA) August 19, 2025 Two Egyptian security sources confirmed the details and added that Hamas has requested the release of hundreds of Gaza Strip detainees as well. Israel says a total of 50 hostages remain in the enclave, 20 of them still alive. "Israel's policy is consistent and has not changed. Israel demands the release of all 50 hostages in accordance with the principles established by the cabinet for ending the war. We are in the final decisive stage of Hamas and will not leave any hostage behind," an Israeli political source said. The comment, while adamant, fell short of an outright rejection of the proposal on the table. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was expected to convene discussions about the ceasefire proposal soon, the two Israeli officials said. A response was expected in the coming two days, a Palestinian source close to the talks said. Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said the 60-day truce deal would include "a pathway to a comprehensive agreement to end the war". The proposal includes a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces, which presently control 75 per cent of the Gaza Strip and the entry of more humanitarian aid into the enclave, where a population of 2.2 million people is increasingly facing famine. Israel had previously agreed to the outline, advanced by US special Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, but negotiations faltered over some of its details. The last round of talks ended in deadlock in late July. At a shelter in Khan Younis, in the south of the enclave, displaced people had mixed feelings over whether a deal would be reached this time. "I expect - every time the (Israeli) occupation would be obstinate, reject and receive proposals with negative responses - I expect the same for this proposal as well," Abdallah al-Khawaja said. Women sat by wood fires cooking meals for their families while men filled plastic gallons with water; many hoped Israel would approve the proposal. "What I say and expect as a member of the Palestinian people living in the Gaza Strip, one of the bereaved and displaced, is that I expect a positive response (from Israel)," said Awad Labde. Israel's plans to seize control of Gaza City have stirred alarm abroad and among the estimated one million people living there. On the ground, there were no signs of a ceasefire nearing as Israeli gunfire, tank shelling and air strikes killed at least 20 Palestinians on Tuesday, according to Gazan health officials. Tanks completed taking control of the Zeitoun suburb, an eastern neighbourhood on Gaza City's outskirts, and continued to pound the nearby area of Sabra, killing two women and a man, medics said. Local health authorities said dozens of people had been trapped in their houses because of the shelling. The Israeli military said it was checking the report. Hamas official Izzat El-Reshiq said that the truce proposal it has agreed to is an interim accord that would pave the way for negotiations on ending the war. A source close to the talks said that, unlike previous rounds, Hamas accepted the proposal with no further demands. But prospects for agreeing an end to the war appear remote, with gaps remaining on the terms. Israel is demanding the group lay down its arms and its leaders leave the enclave, conditions which Hamas has so far publicly rejected.
The Age
2 hours ago
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The Advertiser
3 hours ago
- The Advertiser
'Weak' PM condemned by Israeli leader amid visa stoush
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been accused of having "abandoned Australia's Jews" by his Israeli counterpart as relations deteriorate between the two nations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took to social media to personally attack Mr Albanese in an escalation of the diplomatic stoush. "History will remember Albanese for what he is: a weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia's Jews," he wrote. The post comes after Australia's decision to recognise the state of Palestine and refuse entry to significant Israeli figures. Israel responded by revoking the visas of a trio of Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority. The diplomats were tasked with helping Australia engage with the Palestinian Authority as the federal government's recognition of Palestine is tied to commitments made by the body, including an assurance that designated terror group Hamas play no role in a future state. Though they have not been working in Gaza, the diplomats had liaised with humanitarian organisations which have been trying to get aid into the territory. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the government had a right to safeguard communities and protect "all Australians from hate and harm". "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 on Tuesday. "This is an unjustified reaction following Australia's decision to recognise Palestine." She said Australia would continue to contribute to "international momentum to a two-state solution, a ceasefire in Gaza and release of the hostages" and would always take decisive action against anti-Semitism. The Palestinian Authority's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also condemned Israel's "arbitrary" cancellations. It stressed it would continue to deal with the Australian diplomats, saying Israel had no legal basis to block citizens of a third nation from entering Palestinian territory. Australia earlier had denied far-right Israeli politician Simcha Rothman entry into the country for a speaking tour after provocative comments, including branding children in Gaza as enemies. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in August confirmed Australia's intention to recognise Palestinian statehood at the United Nations General Assembly meeting in September. The decision came after more than 100,000 people marched across the Sydney Harbour Bridge to protest the war in Gaza. Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Sa'ar accused the Australian government of fuelling anti-Semitism as he announced the visa cancellations on social media on Monday. "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 ... (Member of the Knesset) Simcha Rothman," Mr Sa'ar posted on X. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said she regretted the way the relationship between the Australian and Israeli governments was deteriorating. "That is something all Australians should be very sad about today," she told reporters in Sydney. Australia should be supporting Israel as a "liberal democracy" but had not demonstrated that in recent weeks, Ms Ley said, calling on Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke to explain his decision to reject Mr Rothman's visa. The Australia/Israel and Jewish Affairs Council also called the move "deeply troubling". Australia has also denied entry to former Israeli minister Ayelet Shaked, based on anti-Palestinian comments, and Israeli advocate Hillel Fuld. Canberra has further imposed sanctions on two far-right Israeli ministers, including travel bans. The federal government has denied entry to people who have a history of anti-Semitism, including rapper Kanye West after he released a song praising Hitler, as well as Lebanese pro-Hezbollah influencer Hussain Makke. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been accused of having "abandoned Australia's Jews" by his Israeli counterpart as relations deteriorate between the two nations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took to social media to personally attack Mr Albanese in an escalation of the diplomatic stoush. "History will remember Albanese for what he is: a weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia's Jews," he wrote. The post comes after Australia's decision to recognise the state of Palestine and refuse entry to significant Israeli figures. Israel responded by revoking the visas of a trio of Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority. The diplomats were tasked with helping Australia engage with the Palestinian Authority as the federal government's recognition of Palestine is tied to commitments made by the body, including an assurance that designated terror group Hamas play no role in a future state. Though they have not been working in Gaza, the diplomats had liaised with humanitarian organisations which have been trying to get aid into the territory. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the government had a right to safeguard communities and protect "all Australians from hate and harm". "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 on Tuesday. "This is an unjustified reaction following Australia's decision to recognise Palestine." She said Australia would continue to contribute to "international momentum to a two-state solution, a ceasefire in Gaza and release of the hostages" and would always take decisive action against anti-Semitism. The Palestinian Authority's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also condemned Israel's "arbitrary" cancellations. It stressed it would continue to deal with the Australian diplomats, saying Israel had no legal basis to block citizens of a third nation from entering Palestinian territory. Australia earlier had denied far-right Israeli politician Simcha Rothman entry into the country for a speaking tour after provocative comments, including branding children in Gaza as enemies. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in August confirmed Australia's intention to recognise Palestinian statehood at the United Nations General Assembly meeting in September. The decision came after more than 100,000 people marched across the Sydney Harbour Bridge to protest the war in Gaza. Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Sa'ar accused the Australian government of fuelling anti-Semitism as he announced the visa cancellations on social media on Monday. "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 ... (Member of the Knesset) Simcha Rothman," Mr Sa'ar posted on X. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said she regretted the way the relationship between the Australian and Israeli governments was deteriorating. "That is something all Australians should be very sad about today," she told reporters in Sydney. Australia should be supporting Israel as a "liberal democracy" but had not demonstrated that in recent weeks, Ms Ley said, calling on Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke to explain his decision to reject Mr Rothman's visa. The Australia/Israel and Jewish Affairs Council also called the move "deeply troubling". Australia has also denied entry to former Israeli minister Ayelet Shaked, based on anti-Palestinian comments, and Israeli advocate Hillel Fuld. Canberra has further imposed sanctions on two far-right Israeli ministers, including travel bans. The federal government has denied entry to people who have a history of anti-Semitism, including rapper Kanye West after he released a song praising Hitler, as well as Lebanese pro-Hezbollah influencer Hussain Makke. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been accused of having "abandoned Australia's Jews" by his Israeli counterpart as relations deteriorate between the two nations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took to social media to personally attack Mr Albanese in an escalation of the diplomatic stoush. "History will remember Albanese for what he is: a weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia's Jews," he wrote. The post comes after Australia's decision to recognise the state of Palestine and refuse entry to significant Israeli figures. Israel responded by revoking the visas of a trio of Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority. The diplomats were tasked with helping Australia engage with the Palestinian Authority as the federal government's recognition of Palestine is tied to commitments made by the body, including an assurance that designated terror group Hamas play no role in a future state. Though they have not been working in Gaza, the diplomats had liaised with humanitarian organisations which have been trying to get aid into the territory. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the government had a right to safeguard communities and protect "all Australians from hate and harm". "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 on Tuesday. "This is an unjustified reaction following Australia's decision to recognise Palestine." She said Australia would continue to contribute to "international momentum to a two-state solution, a ceasefire in Gaza and release of the hostages" and would always take decisive action against anti-Semitism. The Palestinian Authority's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also condemned Israel's "arbitrary" cancellations. It stressed it would continue to deal with the Australian diplomats, saying Israel had no legal basis to block citizens of a third nation from entering Palestinian territory. Australia earlier had denied far-right Israeli politician Simcha Rothman entry into the country for a speaking tour after provocative comments, including branding children in Gaza as enemies. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in August confirmed Australia's intention to recognise Palestinian statehood at the United Nations General Assembly meeting in September. The decision came after more than 100,000 people marched across the Sydney Harbour Bridge to protest the war in Gaza. Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Sa'ar accused the Australian government of fuelling anti-Semitism as he announced the visa cancellations on social media on Monday. "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 ... (Member of the Knesset) Simcha Rothman," Mr Sa'ar posted on X. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said she regretted the way the relationship between the Australian and Israeli governments was deteriorating. "That is something all Australians should be very sad about today," she told reporters in Sydney. Australia should be supporting Israel as a "liberal democracy" but had not demonstrated that in recent weeks, Ms Ley said, calling on Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke to explain his decision to reject Mr Rothman's visa. The Australia/Israel and Jewish Affairs Council also called the move "deeply troubling". Australia has also denied entry to former Israeli minister Ayelet Shaked, based on anti-Palestinian comments, and Israeli advocate Hillel Fuld. Canberra has further imposed sanctions on two far-right Israeli ministers, including travel bans. The federal government has denied entry to people who have a history of anti-Semitism, including rapper Kanye West after he released a song praising Hitler, as well as Lebanese pro-Hezbollah influencer Hussain Makke. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been accused of having "abandoned Australia's Jews" by his Israeli counterpart as relations deteriorate between the two nations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took to social media to personally attack Mr Albanese in an escalation of the diplomatic stoush. "History will remember Albanese for what he is: a weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia's Jews," he wrote. The post comes after Australia's decision to recognise the state of Palestine and refuse entry to significant Israeli figures. Israel responded by revoking the visas of a trio of Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority. The diplomats were tasked with helping Australia engage with the Palestinian Authority as the federal government's recognition of Palestine is tied to commitments made by the body, including an assurance that designated terror group Hamas play no role in a future state. Though they have not been working in Gaza, the diplomats had liaised with humanitarian organisations which have been trying to get aid into the territory. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the government had a right to safeguard communities and protect "all Australians from hate and harm". "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 on Tuesday. "This is an unjustified reaction following Australia's decision to recognise Palestine." She said Australia would continue to contribute to "international momentum to a two-state solution, a ceasefire in Gaza and release of the hostages" and would always take decisive action against anti-Semitism. The Palestinian Authority's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also condemned Israel's "arbitrary" cancellations. It stressed it would continue to deal with the Australian diplomats, saying Israel had no legal basis to block citizens of a third nation from entering Palestinian territory. Australia earlier had denied far-right Israeli politician Simcha Rothman entry into the country for a speaking tour after provocative comments, including branding children in Gaza as enemies. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in August confirmed Australia's intention to recognise Palestinian statehood at the United Nations General Assembly meeting in September. The decision came after more than 100,000 people marched across the Sydney Harbour Bridge to protest the war in Gaza. Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Sa'ar accused the Australian government of fuelling anti-Semitism as he announced the visa cancellations on social media on Monday. "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 ... (Member of the Knesset) Simcha Rothman," Mr Sa'ar posted on X. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said she regretted the way the relationship between the Australian and Israeli governments was deteriorating. "That is something all Australians should be very sad about today," she told reporters in Sydney. Australia should be supporting Israel as a "liberal democracy" but had not demonstrated that in recent weeks, Ms Ley said, calling on Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke to explain his decision to reject Mr Rothman's visa. The Australia/Israel and Jewish Affairs Council also called the move "deeply troubling". Australia has also denied entry to former Israeli minister Ayelet Shaked, based on anti-Palestinian comments, and Israeli advocate Hillel Fuld. Canberra has further imposed sanctions on two far-right Israeli ministers, including travel bans. The federal government has denied entry to people who have a history of anti-Semitism, including rapper Kanye West after he released a song praising Hitler, as well as Lebanese pro-Hezbollah influencer Hussain Makke.
