Netanyahu: I told you, Australia is tolerating anti-Semitism

A shooting incident occurred on Bondi Beach in the eastern suburbs of Sydney, Australia, on the 14th local time, resulting in at least 12 deaths. The Australian side said that this was a terrorist act targeting the Jewish community.

According to The Israel Times, several hours after the attack, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu delivered a speech stating that he had written to Australian Prime Minister Albanese in August this year, accusing Australia of "pouring oil on the fire of anti-Semitism."

Netanyahu quoted the content of his letter, saying that Australia's decision to recognize the State of Palestine and related policies had fueled "the anti-Semitic sentiment now roaming your streets."

"Anti-Semitism is a cancer. When leaders remain silent, it spreads. You must replace weakness with action," Netanyahu said.

In August, Albanese stated that Australia would recognize the State of Palestine, which triggered strong opposition from Israel. Netanyahu publicly criticized Albanese as a "weak politician" and accused him of "betraying Israel and abandoning Australian Jews."

Albanese responded at the time, saying, "I don't take these words as personal attacks. I conduct myself diplomatically. He has made similar remarks about other leaders."

Netanyahu has also accused countries such as France of having serious anti-Semitic sentiments, and some of his harsh statements have caused widespread dissatisfaction in the international community. New Zealand's Prime Minister Luxon once openly said that Netanyahu had "lost his mind."

According to Reuters, although there are not many Jews in Australia, they are closely connected with the local community. Approximately 150,000 Australians consider themselves Jewish, with about one-third living in the eastern suburbs of Sydney.

On the 14th, Albanese condemned the attack as an "evil act of anti-Semitic terrorism" and said, "An attack on Australian Jews is an attack on all Australians."

Additionally, leaders from multiple countries including British Prime Minister Starmer, French President Macron, and German Chancellor Merkel have spoken out in condemnation.

Bondi Beach shooting in Sydney

Original: toutiao.com/article/1851498222970009/

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