Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has stressed the importance of diplomacy and respect in international relations after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched a personal attack against him over Canberra’s decision to recognise a Palestinian state.
Speaking at a media briefing on Wednesday, Albanese said: “I don’t take these things personally, I engage with people diplomatically. He has had similar things to say about other leaders.”
The war of words follows Australia’s announcement last week that it would conditionally recognise a Palestinian state during the upcoming UN General Assembly in September. In response, Netanyahu criticised Albanese on social media, describing him as “a weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia’s Jews.”
Albanese, however, noted that he had directly informed Netanyahu of the decision before it was made public. “At that time, I gave Prime Minister Netanyahu a clear indication of my view and Australia’s view going forward, but also a clear indication of the direction in which we were headed. I gave him the opportunity to outline what political solution there was,” he said.
Tensions have escalated further as Israel revoked visas for Australian diplomats to the Palestinian Authority after Canberra cancelled the visa of an Israeli lawmaker whose remarks were deemed inflammatory.
The dispute comes amid mounting global criticism of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, which has killed thousands of civilians and displaced much of the population. The offensive began nearly two years ago after Hamas-led militants killed 1,200 people and abducted 251 others in southern Israel.
Australia’s stance marks a significant shift in its Middle East policy and has further tested its relations with Israel at a time of heightened regional and international scrutiny.
Melissa Enoch
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