Australia's former Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, has delivered a stinging rebuke to Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu, urging him to refrain from interfering in Australian domestic affairs. The extraordinary intervention comes after Netanyahu controversially connected Sunday's deadly terror attack at Bondi Beach to the Australian government's recent decision to recognise Palestinian statehood.
Netanyahu's Controversial Claim Sparks Diplomatic Row
The dispute was ignited following a horrific attack in Sydney on Sunday night, which left 15 people dead. Alleged gunmen Sajid Akram and his son Naveed opened fire on crowds gathered for a Hanukkah celebration. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the assault was motivated by Islamic State ideology, branding it 'an act of pure evil'.
However, in a speech shortly after the massacre, Netanyahu pointed the finger at Australian foreign policy. He referenced a letter he sent to Albanese in August, arguing that the recognition of Palestine had poured 'oil on the fire of antisemitism' prior to the attack. 'Antisemitism is a cancer that spreads when leaders are silent,' Netanyahu stated.
Turnbull's Forceful Rejection and Call for Non-Interference
During an interview with Channel 4 News in the UK, Malcolm Turnbull vigorously rejected the Israeli Prime Minister's assertions. 'No, I do not [accept that],' he declared. 'I would respectfully say to 'Bibi' Netanyahu, please stay out of our politics. If you've got that kind of commentary to make, you are not helping … and it's not right.'
Turnbull, who knows Netanyahu well, acknowledged his passion but warned that such comments were damaging. He emphasised the broad international consensus, stating, 'The vast majority of countries in the world recognise Palestine as a state. The vast majority support a two-state solution.' He further cautioned against the importation of foreign conflicts, stressing Australia's need to protect its successful multicultural society.
Albanese Dismisses Link, Netanyahu Doubles Down
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also dismissed any connection between government policy and the terror attack in an interview with the ABC. When asked about a link, he responded, 'No, I don't.' He echoed Turnbull's sentiment on the two-state solution and stated his primary role was to promote national unity in the wake of the tragedy.
Undeterred, Netanyahu escalated his criticism on Wednesday night, taking to social media platform X to label the Albanese government's policy as 'flaccid'. He argued that such an approach fuels antisemitism and called for immediate, robust action to eradicate terrorism and secure Jewish communities in Australia.
The exchange marks a significant diplomatic friction, highlighting how the intense politics of the Middle East are resonating and causing division thousands of miles away in Australia.
