Netanyahu Calls Albanese Weak: Here’s How Australia Responded

Tensions flared between Canberra and Jerusalem this week after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of betraying Israel and “abandoning Australia’s Jews” following Canberra’s recognition of a Palestinian state.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke responded sharply on Wednesday, rejecting Netanyahu’s criticism and defending Albanese’s leadership.

“Strength is not measured by how many people you can blow up or how many children you can leave hungry,” Burke told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). “Strength is what Anthony Albanese has shown, engaging directly, saying exactly what Australia intends to do, and allowing objections to be made person to person.”

Albanese Strikes a Softer Tone

While Burke’s remarks highlighted frustration with Netanyahu’s comments, Albanese himself sought to lower the temperature. Speaking at a press conference in Canberra, he said he did not take Netanyahu’s remarks personally.

“There is global concern because people want to see an end to the cycle of violence that has gone on for too long,” Albanese said.

He reiterated that Australia supports a two-state solution as the only sustainable path toward peace.

Netanyahu’s Letter to Canberra

Netanyahu’s criticism came in a letter addressed to Albanese and obtained by Sky News. In it, the Israeli leader argued that recognition of a Palestinian state “rewards Hamas terrorism” and accused the Australian government of failing to combat antisemitism. Netanyahu urged Albanese to follow the example of former U.S. president Donald Trump, who he said had “fought antisemitism without compromise.”

“It’s not diplomacy, it is appeasement,” Netanyahu wrote, according to the report.

A Wider Diplomatic Rift

The exchange follows a broader trend of strained relations between Israel and countries moving toward recognition of Palestinian statehood. Netanyahu has also criticized several European governments in recent months for similar announcements.

The dispute also coincided with a separate diplomatic spat: Religious Zionist Party lawmaker Simcha Rothman was denied entry into Australia less than a day before he was due to participate in a solidarity visit with the Jewish community.

For now, Canberra has doubled down on its position. “Australians want peace,” Albanese said. “And we want a future where Israelis and Palestinians live side by side in security and dignity.”