Netanyahu hits out at Australian PM in latest Palestine state row

WorldPolitics
20 Aug 2025 • 4:38 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • Relations between Australia and Israel have significantly worsened following Australia's announcement to recognise a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly.
  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly criticised Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, labelling him "weak" and accusing him of betraying Australia's Jewish community.
  • Australia's Home Minister responded to Netanyahu's remarks, stating that strength is not measured by violence and defending the cancellation of a far-right Israeli politician's visa.
  • Mr Albanese dismissed Netanyahu's comments, stating he does not take them personally and noting the Israeli leader has made similar remarks about other world leaders.
  • The diplomatic dispute intensified with a letter from Mr Netanyahu to Mr Albanese, condemning Australia's decision to recognise Palestine as "appeasement" and accusing it of fuelling "antisemitic fire".

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