August 19, 2025 | 07:54 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has launched an extraordinary personal attack on Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, accusing him of "betraying" Israel. This marks the latest escalation in growing tensions between the two countries and their leaders.
"History will remember Albanese for what he is: a weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia's Jews," Netanyahu posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, as reported by ABC Australia
The comments came after Israel's foreign minister revoked the visa of Australia's representative to the Palestinian Authority. This action is widely seen as retaliation for Australia’s recent decision to recognize the State of Palestine.
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid condemned the personal attack. "The thing that strengthens a leader in the democratic world today most is a confrontation with Netanyahu, the most politically toxic leader in the Western world," he wrote in X.
Visa Cancellations
The relationship between the two countries began to sour after the Australian government revoked the visa of right-wing Israeli politician Simcha Rothman. The cancellation was made for a series of his upcoming visits to synagogues and Jewish schools in Australia, organized by the Australian Jewish Association (AJA). Rothman is a member of the National Religious Party - Religious Zionism, led by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
Israel retaliated on Monday night by revoking the visa of the Australian representative to the Palestinian Authority. This visa cancellation is the clearest sign of escalating tensions since Anthony Albanese announced that Australia would recognize Palestine at the UN General Assembly next month.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar stated that the decision was made in light of Australia’s decision to recognize Palestine and the "unjustified reaction" to Rothman's visa. He went as far as to accuse the Australian government of choosing to stoke antisemitism.
The Australian government confirmed it had spoken to Israeli Ambassador Amir Maimon after the visa cancellation. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong called the move "an unjustifiable reaction, following Australia's decision to recognize Palestine," on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
"At a time when dialogue and diplomacy are needed more than ever, the Netanyahu Government is isolating Israel and undermining international efforts towards peace and a two-state solution," Senator Wong said in a statement.
"We will continue to work with partners as we contribute international momentum to a two-state solution, a ceasefire in Gaza and release of the hostages."
"The Australian Government will always take decisive action against antisemitism," Wong said.
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