Israeli ambassador rebuked over expulsion of Australian diplomats
As Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who was in Indonesia, issued a statement just after midnight saying Australia would not be deterred from its decision to recognise a Palestinian state, the deputy secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Harinder Sidhu, delivered a similar message to Israeli ambassador Amir Maimon.
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Sky News AU
29 minutes ago
- Sky News AU
‘Strength not measured by bombs': Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke lashes out at Netanyahu over Albanese ‘weak' dig
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has made extraordinary comments about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying 'strength is not measured by how many people you can blow up'. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has lashed out at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for calling Prime Minister Anthony Albanese 'weak', saying 'strength' is not measured by blowing people up. The extraordinary remarks came after Mr Netanyahu called Mr Albanese 'weak', following the inflammatory decision to reocgnise Palestinian statehood. Speaking to ABC RN Breakfast on Tuesday, Mr Burke said Israel was 'lashing out' and isolating itself on the world stage. 'Strength is not measured by how many people you can blow up, or how many children you can leave hungry,' Mr Burke said. 'Strength is much better measured by exactly what prime minister Anthony Albanese has done – which is when there's a decision that we know Israel won't like. 'He goes straight to Benjamin Netanyahu. He has the conversation, he says exactly what we're intending to do, and has the chance for the objections to be made… 'And then having heard them, makes the public announcement and does what needs to be done.' Mr Burke said the government will continue to pursue its long-standing position of a two-state solution. The feud between Australia and Israel has progressively deteriorated in recent months, intensified by the decision to recognise a Palestinian state ahead of a peace deal. — Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) August 19, 2025 In retaliation, Israel revoked the visas of Australian diplomats to the Palestinian Authority, following Australia's cancellation of the visa of Israeli MP Simcha Rothman. Mr Rothman's visa was denied over concerns that his presence could spark counter-protests, despite his advocacy for the elimination of Hamas. Shadow foreign affairs minister Michaelia Cash condemned the government's decision, saying it had 'badly mismanaged' the relationship. 'To suggest that calls for the destruction of Hamas are 'inflammatory' or grounds for visa cancellation is absurd,' he said. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley also described the visa rejection as 'a very unusual thing' and lamented the deterioration of ties with Israel. The diplomatic row escalated further when Mr Netanyahu wrote to Mr Albanese, calling him 'weak' and accusing him of pouring 'fuel on this antisemitic fire'. 'It is not diplomacy, it is appeasement… Prime Minister, antisemitism is a cancer. It spreads when leaders stay silent. It retreats when leaders act,' Mr Netanyahu said. 'I call upon you to replace weakness with action, appeasement with resolve, and to do so by a clear date: the Jewish New Year, September 23, 2025.' New polling for The Sydney Morning Herald recently revealed that voters were divided over recognition of Palestine. Just 24 per cent of voters supported recognition of Palestine regardless of who holds power in Gaza. Thirty-two per cent said recognition should wait until terrorist organisation Hamas is removed from power or Palestine recognises Israel's right to exist. Forty-four per cent opposed any change to Australia's current stance of not recognising Palestine.
The Advertiser
40 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
Trump escalates attacks on the 'woke' Smithsonian
Donald Trump has suggested he will pressure the Smithsonian Institution, a premier museum, education and research complex for US history and culture, to accept his demands, just like he did with colleges and universities by threatening to cut federal funding. "I have instructed my attorneys to go through the Museums, and start the exact same process that has been done with Colleges and Universities where tremendous progress has been made," Trump said on Truth Social. The Smithsonian, which was established in 1846 and includes 21 museums and galleries and the National Zoo, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Most of its museums are in Washington, DC. When asked if Trump would threaten funding cuts to the Smithsonian based on the findings, a White House official said "President Trump will explore all options and avenues to get the Woke out of the Smithsonian and hold them accountable." The White House said last week it will lead an internal review of some Smithsonian museums after Trump earlier this year accused it of spreading "anti-American ideology" and raised alarm among civil rights advocates. "The Smithsonian is OUT OF CONTROL, where everything discussed is how horrible our Country is, how bad Slavery was, and how unaccomplished the downtrodden have been — Nothing about Success, nothing about Brightness, nothing about the Future," Trump said. The Smithsonian receives most of its budget from US Congress but is independent of the government in decision-making. Civil rights advocates say Trump's administration is undoing decades of social progress and undermining the acknowledgement of critical phases of American history. Trump has made threats to cut federal funding of top US educational institutions, citing pro-Palestinian protests against U.S. ally Israel's war in Gaza, transgender policies, climate initiatives and diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Last month, the government settled its probes with Columbia University, which agreed to pay $US221 million ($A342 million), and Brown University, which said it will pay $US50 million ($A77 million). Both institutions accepted certain government demands. Talks to settle with Harvard University are ongoing. Donald Trump has suggested he will pressure the Smithsonian Institution, a premier museum, education and research complex for US history and culture, to accept his demands, just like he did with colleges and universities by threatening to cut federal funding. "I have instructed my attorneys to go through the Museums, and start the exact same process that has been done with Colleges and Universities where tremendous progress has been made," Trump said on Truth Social. The Smithsonian, which was established in 1846 and includes 21 museums and galleries and the National Zoo, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Most of its museums are in Washington, DC. When asked if Trump would threaten funding cuts to the Smithsonian based on the findings, a White House official said "President Trump will explore all options and avenues to get the Woke out of the Smithsonian and hold them accountable." The White House said last week it will lead an internal review of some Smithsonian museums after Trump earlier this year accused it of spreading "anti-American ideology" and raised alarm among civil rights advocates. "The Smithsonian is OUT OF CONTROL, where everything discussed is how horrible our Country is, how bad Slavery was, and how unaccomplished the downtrodden have been — Nothing about Success, nothing about Brightness, nothing about the Future," Trump said. The Smithsonian receives most of its budget from US Congress but is independent of the government in decision-making. Civil rights advocates say Trump's administration is undoing decades of social progress and undermining the acknowledgement of critical phases of American history. Trump has made threats to cut federal funding of top US educational institutions, citing pro-Palestinian protests against U.S. ally Israel's war in Gaza, transgender policies, climate initiatives and diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Last month, the government settled its probes with Columbia University, which agreed to pay $US221 million ($A342 million), and Brown University, which said it will pay $US50 million ($A77 million). Both institutions accepted certain government demands. Talks to settle with Harvard University are ongoing. Donald Trump has suggested he will pressure the Smithsonian Institution, a premier museum, education and research complex for US history and culture, to accept his demands, just like he did with colleges and universities by threatening to cut federal funding. "I have instructed my attorneys to go through the Museums, and start the exact same process that has been done with Colleges and Universities where tremendous progress has been made," Trump said on Truth Social. The Smithsonian, which was established in 1846 and includes 21 museums and galleries and the National Zoo, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Most of its museums are in Washington, DC. When asked if Trump would threaten funding cuts to the Smithsonian based on the findings, a White House official said "President Trump will explore all options and avenues to get the Woke out of the Smithsonian and hold them accountable." The White House said last week it will lead an internal review of some Smithsonian museums after Trump earlier this year accused it of spreading "anti-American ideology" and raised alarm among civil rights advocates. "The Smithsonian is OUT OF CONTROL, where everything discussed is how horrible our Country is, how bad Slavery was, and how unaccomplished the downtrodden have been — Nothing about Success, nothing about Brightness, nothing about the Future," Trump said. The Smithsonian receives most of its budget from US Congress but is independent of the government in decision-making. Civil rights advocates say Trump's administration is undoing decades of social progress and undermining the acknowledgement of critical phases of American history. Trump has made threats to cut federal funding of top US educational institutions, citing pro-Palestinian protests against U.S. ally Israel's war in Gaza, transgender policies, climate initiatives and diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Last month, the government settled its probes with Columbia University, which agreed to pay $US221 million ($A342 million), and Brown University, which said it will pay $US50 million ($A77 million). Both institutions accepted certain government demands. Talks to settle with Harvard University are ongoing. Donald Trump has suggested he will pressure the Smithsonian Institution, a premier museum, education and research complex for US history and culture, to accept his demands, just like he did with colleges and universities by threatening to cut federal funding. "I have instructed my attorneys to go through the Museums, and start the exact same process that has been done with Colleges and Universities where tremendous progress has been made," Trump said on Truth Social. The Smithsonian, which was established in 1846 and includes 21 museums and galleries and the National Zoo, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Most of its museums are in Washington, DC. When asked if Trump would threaten funding cuts to the Smithsonian based on the findings, a White House official said "President Trump will explore all options and avenues to get the Woke out of the Smithsonian and hold them accountable." The White House said last week it will lead an internal review of some Smithsonian museums after Trump earlier this year accused it of spreading "anti-American ideology" and raised alarm among civil rights advocates. "The Smithsonian is OUT OF CONTROL, where everything discussed is how horrible our Country is, how bad Slavery was, and how unaccomplished the downtrodden have been — Nothing about Success, nothing about Brightness, nothing about the Future," Trump said. The Smithsonian receives most of its budget from US Congress but is independent of the government in decision-making. Civil rights advocates say Trump's administration is undoing decades of social progress and undermining the acknowledgement of critical phases of American history. Trump has made threats to cut federal funding of top US educational institutions, citing pro-Palestinian protests against U.S. ally Israel's war in Gaza, transgender policies, climate initiatives and diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Last month, the government settled its probes with Columbia University, which agreed to pay $US221 million ($A342 million), and Brown University, which said it will pay $US50 million ($A77 million). Both institutions accepted certain government demands. Talks to settle with Harvard University are ongoing.
The Advertiser
41 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
Minister defends visa decisions as Israel lashes out
The Australian government has returned serve after a remarkable sledge by Israel's prime minister, with a senior minister calling out Benjamin Netanyahu for "blowing up" Palestinians and starving children. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke defended his decision to deny a visa to far-right Israeli politician Simcha Rothman, who was set to undertake a speaking tour of Australia at the invitation of a fringe Jewish group. The Israeli government retaliated by cancelling the visas of three Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority and ordering embassy staff to apply extra scrutiny to Australian applications to enter Israel. But the diplomatic spat erupted on Tuesday night when Mr Netanyahu called his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese a "weak politician" in a social media post. Mr Burke said the increasingly "isolated" Israeli prime minister was lashing out, like he had done to other Western leaders who in recent weeks had vowed to recognise Palestinian statehood. "Strength is not measured by how many people you can blow up or how many children you can leave hungry. Strength is much better measured by exactly what Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has done," he told ABC Radio National on Wednesday. "When there's a decision that we know Israel won't like, he goes straight to Benjamin Netanyahu, he has the conversation, he says exactly what we're intending to do, and has the chance for the objections to be made person-to-person." In revoking the visas of the Australian diplomats, Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar cited Australia's decision to recognise Palestine, as well as the refusal to grant visas to Mr Rothman and former Israeli minister Ayelet Shaked. Mr Burke said he had a responsibility to not "hold out a welcome mat" to people with extreme views. "One of them has described Palestinian children as the enemy, and the other has described Palestinian children as little snakes - as little snakes," he said. "Now, if anyone wanted to come on a public speaking tour and they had those views publicly expressed about Israeli children, I would block the visa, and I'm going to not have a lower bar for the protection of views that are bigoted views against the Palestinian people." Opposition home affairs spokesman Andrew Hastie said he didn't agree with Mr Rothman's views but the decision to refuse his visa had further damaged Australia's relationship with Israel. "The important thing to note is that the relationship with Israel now is at an all-time low, and that's largely because of the Albanese foreign policy incompetence from this government," he told ABC Radio National. Mr Burke had been "inconsistent" in his application of standards to visa approvals, Mr Hastie added. British commentator Sami Hamdi was allowed to enter Australia for a speaking tour in 2024, despite earlier comments celebrating Hamas' October 7 attacks, he said. But Mr Burke pointed to decisions to block people who had expressed anti-Semitic views, such as Kanye West, from entering the country. "It seems that the coalition only believe I should be rejecting people if they will cause harm to the Jewish community," he said. Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin said it was unacceptable for Mr Netanyahu to publicly insult a fellow world leader, but Mr Burke's comments were also out of line. "... Both parties are acting contrary to the interest of the people they're seeking to represent and serve ... They need to find a new course and a new way of dealing with each other and doing business, because this is entirely counterproductive," he told Sky News. The Australian government has returned serve after a remarkable sledge by Israel's prime minister, with a senior minister calling out Benjamin Netanyahu for "blowing up" Palestinians and starving children. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke defended his decision to deny a visa to far-right Israeli politician Simcha Rothman, who was set to undertake a speaking tour of Australia at the invitation of a fringe Jewish group. The Israeli government retaliated by cancelling the visas of three Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority and ordering embassy staff to apply extra scrutiny to Australian applications to enter Israel. But the diplomatic spat erupted on Tuesday night when Mr Netanyahu called his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese a "weak politician" in a social media post. Mr Burke said the increasingly "isolated" Israeli prime minister was lashing out, like he had done to other Western leaders who in recent weeks had vowed to recognise Palestinian statehood. "Strength is not measured by how many people you can blow up or how many children you can leave hungry. Strength is much better measured by exactly what Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has done," he told ABC Radio National on Wednesday. "When there's a decision that we know Israel won't like, he goes straight to Benjamin Netanyahu, he has the conversation, he says exactly what we're intending to do, and has the chance for the objections to be made person-to-person." In revoking the visas of the Australian diplomats, Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar cited Australia's decision to recognise Palestine, as well as the refusal to grant visas to Mr Rothman and former Israeli minister Ayelet Shaked. Mr Burke said he had a responsibility to not "hold out a welcome mat" to people with extreme views. "One of them has described Palestinian children as the enemy, and the other has described Palestinian children as little snakes - as little snakes," he said. "Now, if anyone wanted to come on a public speaking tour and they had those views publicly expressed about Israeli children, I would block the visa, and I'm going to not have a lower bar for the protection of views that are bigoted views against the Palestinian people." Opposition home affairs spokesman Andrew Hastie said he didn't agree with Mr Rothman's views but the decision to refuse his visa had further damaged Australia's relationship with Israel. "The important thing to note is that the relationship with Israel now is at an all-time low, and that's largely because of the Albanese foreign policy incompetence from this government," he told ABC Radio National. Mr Burke had been "inconsistent" in his application of standards to visa approvals, Mr Hastie added. British commentator Sami Hamdi was allowed to enter Australia for a speaking tour in 2024, despite earlier comments celebrating Hamas' October 7 attacks, he said. But Mr Burke pointed to decisions to block people who had expressed anti-Semitic views, such as Kanye West, from entering the country. "It seems that the coalition only believe I should be rejecting people if they will cause harm to the Jewish community," he said. Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin said it was unacceptable for Mr Netanyahu to publicly insult a fellow world leader, but Mr Burke's comments were also out of line. "... Both parties are acting contrary to the interest of the people they're seeking to represent and serve ... They need to find a new course and a new way of dealing with each other and doing business, because this is entirely counterproductive," he told Sky News. The Australian government has returned serve after a remarkable sledge by Israel's prime minister, with a senior minister calling out Benjamin Netanyahu for "blowing up" Palestinians and starving children. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke defended his decision to deny a visa to far-right Israeli politician Simcha Rothman, who was set to undertake a speaking tour of Australia at the invitation of a fringe Jewish group. The Israeli government retaliated by cancelling the visas of three Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority and ordering embassy staff to apply extra scrutiny to Australian applications to enter Israel. But the diplomatic spat erupted on Tuesday night when Mr Netanyahu called his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese a "weak politician" in a social media post. Mr Burke said the increasingly "isolated" Israeli prime minister was lashing out, like he had done to other Western leaders who in recent weeks had vowed to recognise Palestinian statehood. "Strength is not measured by how many people you can blow up or how many children you can leave hungry. Strength is much better measured by exactly what Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has done," he told ABC Radio National on Wednesday. "When there's a decision that we know Israel won't like, he goes straight to Benjamin Netanyahu, he has the conversation, he says exactly what we're intending to do, and has the chance for the objections to be made person-to-person." In revoking the visas of the Australian diplomats, Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar cited Australia's decision to recognise Palestine, as well as the refusal to grant visas to Mr Rothman and former Israeli minister Ayelet Shaked. Mr Burke said he had a responsibility to not "hold out a welcome mat" to people with extreme views. "One of them has described Palestinian children as the enemy, and the other has described Palestinian children as little snakes - as little snakes," he said. "Now, if anyone wanted to come on a public speaking tour and they had those views publicly expressed about Israeli children, I would block the visa, and I'm going to not have a lower bar for the protection of views that are bigoted views against the Palestinian people." Opposition home affairs spokesman Andrew Hastie said he didn't agree with Mr Rothman's views but the decision to refuse his visa had further damaged Australia's relationship with Israel. "The important thing to note is that the relationship with Israel now is at an all-time low, and that's largely because of the Albanese foreign policy incompetence from this government," he told ABC Radio National. Mr Burke had been "inconsistent" in his application of standards to visa approvals, Mr Hastie added. British commentator Sami Hamdi was allowed to enter Australia for a speaking tour in 2024, despite earlier comments celebrating Hamas' October 7 attacks, he said. But Mr Burke pointed to decisions to block people who had expressed anti-Semitic views, such as Kanye West, from entering the country. "It seems that the coalition only believe I should be rejecting people if they will cause harm to the Jewish community," he said. Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin said it was unacceptable for Mr Netanyahu to publicly insult a fellow world leader, but Mr Burke's comments were also out of line. "... Both parties are acting contrary to the interest of the people they're seeking to represent and serve ... They need to find a new course and a new way of dealing with each other and doing business, because this is entirely counterproductive," he told Sky News. The Australian government has returned serve after a remarkable sledge by Israel's prime minister, with a senior minister calling out Benjamin Netanyahu for "blowing up" Palestinians and starving children. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke defended his decision to deny a visa to far-right Israeli politician Simcha Rothman, who was set to undertake a speaking tour of Australia at the invitation of a fringe Jewish group. The Israeli government retaliated by cancelling the visas of three Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority and ordering embassy staff to apply extra scrutiny to Australian applications to enter Israel. But the diplomatic spat erupted on Tuesday night when Mr Netanyahu called his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese a "weak politician" in a social media post. Mr Burke said the increasingly "isolated" Israeli prime minister was lashing out, like he had done to other Western leaders who in recent weeks had vowed to recognise Palestinian statehood. "Strength is not measured by how many people you can blow up or how many children you can leave hungry. Strength is much better measured by exactly what Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has done," he told ABC Radio National on Wednesday. "When there's a decision that we know Israel won't like, he goes straight to Benjamin Netanyahu, he has the conversation, he says exactly what we're intending to do, and has the chance for the objections to be made person-to-person." In revoking the visas of the Australian diplomats, Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar cited Australia's decision to recognise Palestine, as well as the refusal to grant visas to Mr Rothman and former Israeli minister Ayelet Shaked. Mr Burke said he had a responsibility to not "hold out a welcome mat" to people with extreme views. "One of them has described Palestinian children as the enemy, and the other has described Palestinian children as little snakes - as little snakes," he said. "Now, if anyone wanted to come on a public speaking tour and they had those views publicly expressed about Israeli children, I would block the visa, and I'm going to not have a lower bar for the protection of views that are bigoted views against the Palestinian people." Opposition home affairs spokesman Andrew Hastie said he didn't agree with Mr Rothman's views but the decision to refuse his visa had further damaged Australia's relationship with Israel. "The important thing to note is that the relationship with Israel now is at an all-time low, and that's largely because of the Albanese foreign policy incompetence from this government," he told ABC Radio National. Mr Burke had been "inconsistent" in his application of standards to visa approvals, Mr Hastie added. British commentator Sami Hamdi was allowed to enter Australia for a speaking tour in 2024, despite earlier comments celebrating Hamas' October 7 attacks, he said. But Mr Burke pointed to decisions to block people who had expressed anti-Semitic views, such as Kanye West, from entering the country. "It seems that the coalition only believe I should be rejecting people if they will cause harm to the Jewish community," he said. Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin said it was unacceptable for Mr Netanyahu to publicly insult a fellow world leader, but Mr Burke's comments were also out of line. "... Both parties are acting contrary to the interest of the people they're seeking to represent and serve ... They need to find a new course and a new way of dealing with each other and doing business, because this is entirely counterproductive," he told Sky News.
