Netanyahu Speaks Out After Sydney Attack: Accuses Australian PM of Fueling Antisemitism

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned the shooting that took place during the celebration of the Jewish holiday Hanukkah in Sydney, accusing Australia’s prime minister of contributing to the rise of antisemitism by supporting the recognition of a Palestinian state.

Armed attackers opened fire during an event marking the first night of Hanukkah at Bondi Beach in Sydney, killing at least 11 people in what Australian officials described as a targeted antisemitic terrorist attack. One of the suspected attackers was also killed. Netanyahu described the shooting as a “cold-blooded murder.”

He stated that he had previously warned Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese that Australia’s support for a Palestinian state could encourage antisemitism. Netanyahu said that in an August letter to Albanese, he warned that Australian government policies were promoting and fueling antisemitism within the country.

“I wrote to you that your call for a Palestinian state pours fuel on the fire of antisemitism. It rewards Hamas terrorists. It encourages those who threaten Australian Jews and incites hatred against Jews that is now spreading through your streets,” Netanyahu said in his speech.

On August 11, Albanese announced that Australia would recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in September, following similar announcements by France, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

In his remarks, Netanyahu accused the Albanese government of “doing nothing to stop the spread of antisemitism in Australia.”

“You are allowing this disease to spread, and the result is the horrific attacks on Jews that we witnessed today,” he added.

Prime Minister Albanese convened a meeting of Australia’s National Security Committee on Sunday and strongly condemned the attack, stating that the evil unleashed was “beyond comprehension.”

“This was a targeted attack on Australian Jews on the first day of Hanukkah, which should be a day of joy and a celebration of faith,” Albanese said.