Netanyahu Criticizes Australia Over Palestinian Recognition, Accuses World Leaders of Capitulating to Public Opinion
In a strongly worded press conference, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attacked Australia and other foreign nations for their support of Palestinian statehood, branding their stance as “shameful”.
Netanyahu also accused world leaders of giving in to public opinion rather than standing up for what they believe is right.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s comments came as the United Nations Security Council met to discuss the situation in Gaza, with China and Russia expressing concerns over Israel’s actions.
Netanyahu denied that Israel had a “starvation policy” in Gaza, instead blaming Hamas for the deprivation in the region.
Background to the Crisis
The conflict in Gaza has been ongoing since October 2023, when a terrorist attack by Hamas sparked a military response from Israel.
The situation has deteriorated significantly in recent weeks, with Israel announcing plans to widen its military offensive and take control of the entire Gaza Strip.
The international community has been critical of Israel’s actions, with many countries calling for a two-state solution to the conflict.
Australia, along with several European nations, has been at the forefront of this push, much to Netanyahu’s dismay.
Netanyahu’s Criticism of Australia
Netanyahu took aim at Australia, saying that it was “disappointing” and “shameful” that the country was backing the recognition of Palestine.
He claimed that this stance would not bring peace, but rather more war.
The Israeli Prime Minister also suggested that Australia, along with other European countries, was more concerned with securing positive media coverage than with taking a principled stand.
In response, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese released a joint statement with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, condemning Israel’s actions and warning that any attempt to escalate hostilities would be wrong and risk violating international law.
International Community Weighs In
At the United Nations Security Council meeting, China called the “collective punishment” of people in Gaza unacceptable, while Russia warned against a “reckless intensification of hostilities”.
The UN Assistant Secretary General Miroslav Jenca warned that Israel’s latest plan would “likely trigger another calamity, reverberating across the region and causing further forced displacement, killings and destruction”.
Despite the international criticism, Netanyahu’s office said that he had discussed the strategy with US President Donald Trump, and thanked him for his “steadfast support”.