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News.com.au
2 days ago
- Politics
- News.com.au
‘Shameful': Benjamin Netanyahu explodes at Australia over Palestinian state
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has slammed Australia's advocacy for Palestinian statehood as 'disappointing' and 'shameful', as he doubled down on his plan to eventually take control of the Gaza Strip. In a wide-ranging press conference in Jerusalem 'to puncture the lies and tell the truth' about Israeli military and its delivery of humanitarian aid in the besieged territory, Mr Netanyahu described foreign leaders' intention to recognise Palestine as 'absurdity'. 'It defies imagination or understanding how intelligent people around the world, including seasoned diplomats, government leaders, and respected journalists, fall for this absurdity,' the Prime Minister said, insisting such a move 'won't bring peace, it will bring war'. 'To have European countries and Australia to march into that rabbit hole … and buy this canard, it is disappointing. And I think it's actually shameful.' On Saturday, Foreign Minister Penny Wong joined her counterparts in Germany, Italy, New Zealand and the UK to condemn the Israeli Security Cabinet's announcement of its intent to expand its offensive and capture Gaza City. 'The plans that the government of Israel has announced risk violating international humanitarian law,' the foreign ministers said in a joint statement. 'Any attempts at annexation or of settlement extension violate international law. 'It will aggravate the catastrophic humanitarian situation, endanger the lives of the hostages, and further risk the mass displacement of civilians.' But Mr Netanyahu was defiant at his press conference, accusing 'those who say that Israel has a right to defend itself (of) also saying, 'But don't exercise that right'.' 'I think we're actually applying force judiciously, and they know it,' he said. 'They know what they would do if right next to Melbourne, or right next to Sydney, you had this horrific attack. I think you would do at least what we're doing …(although) maybe not as efficiently and as precisely as we're doing it.' The Prime Minister insisted 'this is the best way to end the war, and the best way to end it speedily'. The new operation's aim, Mr Netanyahu added, was 'to dismantle the two remaining Hamas strongholds in Gaza City and the central camps', while establishing secure corridors and safe zones to allow civilians to leave the area. 'Israel has no choice but to finish the job and complete the defeat of Hamas,' he said. 'Now we've done a great deal. We have about 70 to 75 per cent of Gaza under Israeli control, military control. But we have two remaining strongholds, OK? These are Gaza City and the central camps in Al Mawasi.'
Russia Today
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Russia Today
Kiev tried to intimidate foreign leaders in Moscow
Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused the Ukrainian government of attempting to intimidate foreign leaders who traveled to Moscow for Victory Day celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's defeat of Nazi Germany. Putin criticized Kiev for escalating attacks during Russia's unilaterally declared ceasefire period, which included multiple drone strikes and attempted ground incursions into Russia's Kursk and Belgorod regions. These actions, he told journalists in the early hours of Sunday, were intended not only to provoke militarily but also to pressure the foreign dignitaries in attendance. 'The Kiev authorities not only rejected our proposal for a ceasefire, but also, as we all saw, they tried to intimidate the leaders of states gathered for the celebrations in Moscow,' Putin said. Despite threats from Kiev and intense pressure from Western governments, dozens of leaders from Asia, Africa, Latin America, and a few from Europe joined the commemorative events in Moscow. Putin praised their resolve, saying they showed moral courage in defying 'blackmail' and 'ultimatums.' 'And who tried to intimidate them? Those who salute and applaud former SS soldiers. Who elevate those who collaborated with Hitler during World War II to the rank of national heroes,' he added. Among the attendees were 28 leaders from China, Brazil, Egypt, Venezuela, Cuba, Belarus, and many others from former Soviet republics, Africa, and Asia. Putin specifically praised Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, both of whom had faced significant pressure from the EU over their participation. He described the foreign guests in Moscow as 'leaders by character' who are 'ready to stand up for their beliefs,' emphasizing that they were not swayed by political threats and chose instead to honor the legacy of the anti-fascist struggle. 'We understand the massive pressure they faced. And that's why we sincerely appreciate their political courage, firm moral stance, and the decision to share the celebration with us — to pay tribute to the memory of the heroes of the Great Patriotic War, of World War II, who fought for their homeland and for ridding all mankind of the brown plague,' Putin said.
