Netanyahu Criticizes Australian PM Over Palestinian State Recognition, Revokes Diplomatic Visas

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has strongly criticized Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, labeling him a "weak politician" who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia's Jewish community following Australia's decision to recognize a Palestinian state. This move, coupled with Australia's ban on visas for several Israeli figures, has led Israel to revoke residency visas for Australian diplomats to the Palestinian Authority and to scrutinize Australian visa applications to Israel. Albanese defended his government's stance by condemning Israel’s military actions in Gaza and emphasizing that recognition of Palestine is conditional on the Palestinian Authority excluding Hamas from governance and demilitarizing Gaza. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong condemned Israel’s visa revocations as unjustified and stressed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy for peace and a two-state solution. The situation has sparked domestic controversy in Australia, with Jewish organizations calling the recognition a betrayal and opposition figures threatening to reverse it, while Palestinian advocates argue the recognition does not go far enough. The escalating diplomatic tensions highlight the challenges in balancing support for Israel with advocacy for Palestinian statehood amid ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises.