English
English
English
After the deadly Bondi Beach shooting during Hanukkah, Netanyahu lashes out at Australian PM Albanese, accusing him of inaction. How are political decisions linked to rising antisemitism and the terror attack in Sydney?
Netanyahu criticizes Albanese after Bondi Shooting
Sydney/Israel: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sharply criticized Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese following the deadly mass shooting at Bondi Beach on Sunday, which claimed at least 12 lives, including an Israeli citizen.
Netanyahu accused the Australian government of failing to protect the Jewish community amid rising antisemitic incidents.
In a video message shared on social media platform X, Netanyahu suggested a link between Australia’s formal recognition of a Palestinian state in September and the recent attack. He referred to a letter he had reportedly sent to Albanese four months ago, warning that the recognition “pours fuel on the antisemitic fire” and could “reward Hamas terrorists.”
Netanyahu argued that this political stance contributed to the climate of antisemitism in Australia and claimed that the Australian government had taken insufficient action to curb rising threats against the Jewish community. “You did nothing to curb the cancer cells that were growing inside your country. You took no action,” he stated, calling the attack “the result of inaction.”
Antisemitism is a cancer. pic.twitter.com/oz44ixjpAP
— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) December 14, 2025
The mass shooting occurred during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney. Two gunmen opened fire on the crowd, resulting in 12 fatalities including the gunman and 29 injuries. The attack has been officially declared a terrorist act by Australian authorities.
The victims included civilians celebrating Hanukkah and an Israeli citizen, highlighting the targeted nature of the assault. Emergency services quickly responded, and police have launched an ongoing investigation to apprehend any accomplices and determine the exact motives behind the attack.
Australia has experienced a sharp rise in antisemitic incidents following the conflict in Gaza and Israel’s response to the Hamas attacks in October 2023. Several synagogues, Jewish-owned businesses, and private residences have been targeted in recent months. The Bondi Beach shooting is considered the latest and most severe manifestation of this trend.
Netanyahu’s comments underscore the international concern over antisemitic attacks and the perceived role of political decisions in shaping security environments for Jewish communities abroad. Meanwhile, the Australian government has pledged to strengthen security measures and safeguard vulnerable communities in the aftermath of the attack.
