New Delhi: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has linked the deadly attack on a Jewish gathering at Sydney’s Bondi Beach to what he described as the Australian government’s pro-Palestinian stance, accusing Canberra of fostering an environment in which antisemitism is growing.
Speaking after the attack, Netanyahu alleged that Australia’s support for Palestinian statehood has contributed to rising anti-Jewish sentiment in the country. He said such policies embolden extremists and place Australia’s Jewish community at greater risk.
The Bondi Beach Attack
On Sunday, gunmen opened fire during a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, killing 15 people and injuring dozens more. Police said the suspects were a father and son; the older of the two was shot dead by officers, while the second attacker was subdued and disarmed.
A local Muslim man who intervened and helped neutralise one of the attackers has been widely praised for his bravery.
Netanyahu’s Criticism of Albanese Government
Netanyahu directly criticised the government of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, claiming its policies had “encouraged and legitimised antisemitism” within Australia. He said he had warned Canberra months earlier against recognising Palestinian statehood, arguing that such moves would have dangerous consequences.
Australia formally supported Palestinian statehood at the United Nations in September, joining several countries that have pressed Israel to alter its military campaign in Gaza. Netanyahu has repeatedly vowed to block the establishment of a Palestinian state.
‘Rewarding Hamas Terrorism’
Reiterating his warning to the Australian government, Netanyahu said: “Calls for a Palestinian state pour fuel on the fire of antisemitism. They reward Hamas terrorism, embolden those who threaten Australian Jews, and legitimise the hatred now spreading on your streets.”
He further claimed that what he described as the Australian government’s “weakness” and “inaction” in confronting antisemitism had contributed to the attack.
Albanese Responds, Focuses on Gun Control
Responding to Netanyahu’s remarks, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese avoided engaging directly with the political accusations and instead emphasised the need to strengthen domestic gun control measures.
Australian police said the deceased attacker legally owned six firearms, all of which were allegedly used in the attack. Authorities described the Bondi Beach shooting as Australia’s deadliest mass shooting since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre.
Broader Regional Context
Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza following the October 2023 attacks by Hamas and other militant groups. The conflict has since expanded beyond Gaza, with clashes involving Lebanon and Yemen, and brief but intense exchanges of drones and missiles with Iran.
Although a ceasefire was announced in October with US backing, officials say the death toll in Gaza has exceeded 70,000, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian and geopolitical fallout of the conflict.
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