'You did nothing...': Netanyahu targets Australian PM Albanese after Bondi Beach shooting at Hannukah event
At least 12 people were killed and 29 injured after two gunmen opened fire at people gathered at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has targeted his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese for failing to protect the Jewish community after an attack at Bondi Beach on Sunday killed at least 12 people.
In a video message shared on X, the Israeli leader hit out at the Albanese government and linked the antisemitic terrorist attack to Australia's recognition for Palestinian statehood.
Follow the latest updates on the shooting in Bondi Beach here
In his video, Netanyahu shared details from a letter he purportedly wrote to Albanese four months ago, where he stated that Australia's call for a Palestinian state "pours fuel on the antisemitic fire".
He added that the country's push for a Palestinian state would "reward Hamas terrorists".
Recalling the latter and the attack at Bondi Beach, the Israeli prime minister accused his Australian counterpart of "doing nothing" to protect the Australia Jewish community amid the rise in antisemitism.
“You did nothing to curb the cancer cells that were growing inside your country. You took no action,” Netanyahu said during a government meeting on Sunday.
“You let the disease spread and the result is the horrific attacks on Jews we saw today," he added.
Albanese responds
Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese, when asked about Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's swipe at him after the Bondi beach shooting, made a call for unity.
"This is a moment for national unity, a moment for Australians to come together, which is exactly what we will be doing," said Albanese at a press conference on Monday (local time).
Rise in antisemitic attacks
Following the war in Gaza, Australia recorded a sharp rise in antisemitic attacks. Several synagogues, Jewish businesses and homeowners have been targeted since October 2023. The attack at Bondi Beach is the latest antisemitic attack.
Sunday's mass shooting at the Sydney beach has also been declared a terrorist attack by the Australian government.
Australia was among several countries to formally recognise a Palestinian state in September during the gathering of world leaders for the United Nations General Assembly. The push came amid Israel's continued assault in the Gaza Strip as part of its response to the Hamas terror attack on October 7, 2023.
Bondi Beach shooting: 16 killed, including an Israeli citizen
At least 16 people were killed and 40 injured after two gunmen opened fire at people gathered at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, on Sunday. As per officials, the attack, which was targeted, occurred as a Hanukkah celebration was underway at the popular beach.
Among the 16 dead, one has been identified as the gunman. 15 others were shot dead during the attack, which included an Israeli citizen and a 10-year-old child.
