Israel accuses Canberra of allowing antisemitism

AFP | Jerusalem

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Israeli leaders condemned a shooting in Sydney targeting a Hanukkah celebration that killed 11 people on Sunday, with various government officials suggesting Australia had failed to combat hatred of Jews.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Canberra of having fuelled antisemitism in the period leading up to the shooting.

"A few months ago I wrote to the Australian prime minister that your policy is pouring oil on the fire of antisemitism," he said, referring to a letter he sent to Anthony Albanese in August following Canberra's announcement that it would recognise Palestinian statehood.

"Antisemitism is a cancer that spreads when leaders are silent," Netanyahu added during a televised public address at an event in southern Israel.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar urged Canberra to act against the "surge" in antisemitism during a phone call with his Australian counterpart Penny Wong.

In a post on X, Saar said he told Wong "that since Oct 7 there has been a surge in antisemitism in Australia, including violent incitement against Israel and Jews".

"The Australian government must take strong action against the use of these antisemitic calls," he added, referring to slogans sometimes heard at pro-Palestinian protests, such as "Globalise the Intifada", "From the River to the Sea, Palestine Will be Free", and "Death to the IDF (Israeli army)