Netanyah continues attacks on Albanese

Diplomatic reports between Australia and Israel have deteriorated since the Albanian government last week announced it would recognise a Palestinian state.

France, Britain and Canada have also warned they will recognise a Palestinian state.

This decision moved Netanyah to attack Albanesen personally, and he continued his attacks on Australian leaders during an interview with Sky News Australia.

“I think his career has been permanently tarnished by the weakness he showed in the face of these terrorist monsters of Hamas”, Netanyah said, referring to the Palestinian group declared terrorist organisation by the United States and the European Union.

Earlier in the week, Netanyahu named Albanesen “weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned the Jews of Australia”.

Sky News Australia published these statements before full transmission of the interview with Netanyah.

A day earlier, Albanese downplayed Netanyah's criticisms, saying that “does not take these personal things” and adding that it treats the leaders of other states with respect.

Last week, Albanese said that Israeli Prime Minister “is closing his eyes” before the humanitarian situation in Gaza, where the United Nations has warned of spreading hunger and international pressure has increased to Israel to allow unlimited assistance on Palestinian territory.

On August 20, the director of the Hebrew Council of Australia sent separate letters to the two leaders and urged them to discuss their differences through diplomacy, not by public statements.

We're writing to express our deep concern and frustration for the war of words of the last days. If there are things to be said publicly, they should be expressed in discreet and worthy language to national leaders. Australia and Israel are mature democracies and their governments must act in line with this”, it was said on paper.

Earlier in the week, Israel has revoted visas for Australian diplomats in the Palestinian Authority, as the government of Australia cancelled the visa for an Israeli lawmaker regarding his statements, which it considered stimulating and controversial.

Israel is facing international pressure over its military offensive at the Gaza Strip, where more than 62,000 Palestinians have been killed and residents are facing deep humanitarian crisis.

The Gaza War began after Hamas attacked the south of Israel on October 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people and kidnapping another 251. / REL