Netanyahu accuses Australia of failing to curb antisemitism after Sydney attack

• Netanyahu condemns deadly shooting at Hanukkah event in Sydney.
• He blames Australia’s support for Palestinian statehood for rising antisemitism.
• Albanese calls the attack targeted and “beyond comprehension.”

'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday condemned a deadly shooting at a Jewish holiday celebration in Sydney, describing it as “cold blooded murder,” and said he had previously warned Australia’s leader that "supporting Palestinian statehood would fuel antisemitism."

Gunmen opened fire during an event marking the first night of Hanukkah at Bondi Beach, killing at least 16 people, according to Australian officials, who described the incident as a targeted antisemitic attack. One of the suspected gunmen was also killed.

- Netanyahu criticism of Australian policy -

Netanyahu said he had cautioned Prime Minister Anthony Albanese months earlier that Canberra’s political stance would have dangerous consequences.

"I wrote: 'Your call for a Palestinian state pours fuel on the antisemitic fire. It rewards Hamas terrorists. It emboldens those who menace Australian Jews and encourages the Jew hatred now stalking your streets'," Netanyahu said in a speech.

He added that Albanese’s government was “doing nothing to stop the spread of antisemitism in Australia.”

"You let the disease spread and the result is the horrific attacks on Jews we saw today," Netanyahu said.

- Australian response -

Albanese convened a meeting of Australia’s national security council on Sunday and strongly condemned the attack.

"This is a targeted attack on Jewish Australians on the first day of Hanukkah, which should be a day of joy, a celebration of faith," he said, adding that the violence unleashed was “beyond comprehension.”

Australia announced on August 11 that it would recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September, following similar moves by France, Britain, and Canada.