Netanyahu Labels Albanese a Weak Politician, Says He Betrayed Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sharply criticized Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday, calling him a “weak politician” who “betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia’s Jews,” following a controversial decision to bar Israeli MK Simcha Rothman from entering the country.

Rothman, a member of the Religious Zionist Party, was set to visit Australia as part of a solidarity mission to connect with the country’s Jewish community. Less than 24 hours before his scheduled arrival, however, the Australian Department of Home Affairs revoked his entry visa, citing concerns over Rothman’s political views specifically, his support for Israeli sovereignty and the elimination of Hamas.

According to official Australian documents, Rothman’s presence posed a risk to “public order,” particularly to “the Islamic community.” The reasoning behind the ban has sparked widespread backlash across Israel’s political spectrum, and deep concern within Australia’s Jewish community.

Robert Gregory, CEO of the Australian Jewish Association, condemned the decision as “spiteful,” saying it was designed to inflict maximum harm on Australian Jews at a time of increasing antisemitism and community vulnerability.

Israeli Minister for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism, Amichai Chikli, responded forcefully, accusing the Australian government of moral collapse. “This reflects a choice to honor the rapists and murderers of Hamas,” he said. “It is a grave assault on free speech and a broken moral compass.”

Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar took immediate diplomatic action, announcing the revocation of residence permits for Australia’s representatives to the Palestinian Authority. He also stated that all future visa requests from Australian officials seeking entry into Israel will be subjected to careful review.

“At a time when antisemitism is spreading in Australia, including acts of violence against Jews and Jewish institutions, the Australian government chooses to fuel it instead,” Sa’ar added, pointing to the irony of accusing Israeli lawmakers of posing a public threat while antisemitic violence goes unchecked.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong dismissed Israel’s response as “unjustified,” claiming that the Netanyahu government was isolating itself and hindering international peace efforts.

But many in Israel see Australia’s actions differently not as a push for peace, but as a betrayal of shared democratic values and solidarity with the Jewish people. The ban on Rothman’s visit isn’t just a slight against one politician; it’s a message that support for Israel’s self-defense is unwelcome in parts of the West.

As antisemitism surges globally, and Jewish communities from Sydney to Jerusalem face increased threats, the need for moral clarity and steadfast alliances has never been greater.

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