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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has dismissed accusations from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who called the Australian leader a "weak politician" for recognizing a Palestinian state.
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Israel launches diplomatic attacks on its Western allies ahead of Palestinian statehood recognition
In an escalating international dispute, Israel launched a series of diplomatic attacks against several of its Western allies as they prepare to recognize a Palestinian state next month.
SYDNEY -Australia’s decision to recognise a Palestinian state came after the government sensed a major shift in the domestic mood over the war in Gaza, and showed that Canberra was unafraid of upsetting Israel, historically one of its staunchest allies.
While Israel's prime minister has criticised Australia's decision on Palestinian statehood — even calling Anthony Albanese a "weak" leader — experts say this kind of treatment is far from unusual.
Israeli leaders accused the Australian government of antisemitism over the revocation of a visa for a right-wing politician who was set to travel to Sydney and Melbourne later this week. “History will remember [Australian Prime Minister Anthony] Albanese for what he is: A weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia’s Jews,
Former foreign minister Alexander Downer says Australia’s falling out with Israel is “truly tragic”. Mr Downer told Sky News host Chris Kenny that Australia was one of the “key players” in helping to bring the state of Israel into existence. “It is truly a tragedy that Australia is not a robust supporter of a great liberal democracy like Israel.
The decision comes amid escalating concern about the dire situation in Gaza as Israel wages war against the Hamas militant group.