Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has downplayed personal attacks from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stressing the need for diplomacy in managing international relations.
Speaking at a media briefing on Wednesday, Albanese said he would not be drawn into heated exchanges. “I don’t take these things personally, I engage with people diplomatically. He has had similar things to say about other leaders,” he stated.
The remarks follow Australia’s announcement last week that it would conditionally recognise a Palestinian state during the UN General Assembly in September. Netanyahu responded on social media, calling Albanese “a weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia’s Jews.”
Albanese, however, said he had informed Netanyahu of Canberra’s position before it was made public. “I gave Prime Minister Netanyahu a clear indication of my view and Australia’s view going forward, and the direction in which we were headed. I also gave him the opportunity to outline what political solution there was,” he explained.
The diplomatic rift has deepened, with Israel revoking visas for Australian diplomats to the Palestinian Authority after Canberra cancelled the visa of an Israeli lawmaker accused of making inflammatory remarks.
The dispute comes amid growing global criticism of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, which has killed thousands and displaced much of the population since the conflict began nearly two years ago, following Hamas-led attacks that left 1,200 dead and 251 abducted in southern Israel.
Australia’s policy shift represents a significant recalibration of its Middle East stance and has placed further strain on relations with Israel at a time of heightened international scrutiny.
