Australia rejected Israeli criticism and accused some Israeli politicians of bigoted views toward Palestinians as bilateral tensions escalated. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke defended his refusal to grant a travel visa to far-right Knesset member Simcha Rothman and criticized Israeli leadership over the Gaza war, noting tens of thousands of Palestinian civilians have been killed. Burke contrasted strength with the targeting and starvation of civilians and praised Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's diplomatic approach. Albanese said he would not take Netanyahu's comments personally and said he had given Netanyahu a clear indication of Australia's view and sought a political solution. Netanyahu condemned Albanese as weak and criticised Australia's recognition of Palestine as appeasement.
Strength is not measured by how many people you can blow up or how many children you can leave hungry, Burke told Radio National on Wednesday. Strength is much better measured by exactly what prime minister Anthony Albanese has done, which is when there's a decision that we know Israel won't like, he goes straight to Benjamin Netanyahu.
We had a long discussion prior to the cabinet meeting which was held last Monday morning. At that time, I gave prime minister Netanyahu a clear indication of my view and Australia's view going forward I gave him the opportunity to outline what political solution there was, he told reporters. I don't take these things personally. I engage with people diplomatically, he [Netanyahu] has had similar things to say about other leaders.
History will remember Albanese for what he is: A weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia's Jews.
#australiaisrael-tensions #visa-refusal-simcha-rothman #gaza-civilian-casualties #recognition-of-palestine #netanyahu-criticism
Collection
[
|
...
]