Netanyahu Labels Albanese 'Weak' Amid Diplomatic Fallout Over Palestine Recognition

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly condemned Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, labeling him a "weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia's Jews." The sharp criticism, delivered via social media on August 19, 2025, comes amidst escalating diplomatic tensions following Australia's decision to formally recognize a Palestinian state at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September. This move aligns Australia with other nations, including the United Kingdom, France, and Canada, which have recently announced similar intentions.

"History will remember Albanese for what he is: A weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia's Jews," Prime Minister Netanyahu stated on social media.

The diplomatic friction intensified with a tit-for-tat exchange of visa cancellations. Australia's Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke revoked the visa of far-right Israeli lawmaker Simcha Rothman, citing concerns over his potential to spread "hate and division." In retaliation, Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced the revocation of visas for Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority.

Prime Minister Albanese has largely downplayed Netanyahu's personal attack, stating that he treats leaders of other countries with respect and does not take such comments personally. He noted that Netanyahu has made similar remarks about other world leaders. Albanese affirmed that he had informed Netanyahu of Australia's decision to support a Palestinian state prior to the official announcement, providing an opportunity for discussion.

Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke strongly defended Albanese, asserting that "strength is not measured by how many people you can blow up or how many children you can leave hungry." He emphasized that Albanese's approach involved direct communication with Netanyahu, even on difficult issues. The Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ), a peak advocacy group, called for calm, rejecting Netanyahu's claim that Australian Jews felt abandoned by the Albanese government and criticizing the use of abusive language in diplomatic exchanges.

In Israel, opposition leader Yair Lapid characterized Netanyahu's criticism as a "gift" to Albanese, suggesting that confrontation with the Israeli Prime Minister often strengthens democratic leaders. The escalating row highlights the increasing international pressure on Israel regarding its military offensive in the Gaza Strip and the broader call for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.