Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the deadly terror attack on a Jewish community in Australia, describing antisemitism as a “cancer” and criticizing the Australian government’s policies for exacerbating the issue.
“A few months ago, I wrote to the Australian prime minister warning that the Australian government’s policy was promoting and encouraging antisemitism in Australia,” Netanyahu said, referring to a letter he sent to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in August. The letter followed Australia’s announcement that it would recognize Palestinian statehood.
“Your call for a Palestinian state pours fuel on the antisemitic fire. It rewards Hamas terrorists. It emboldens those who menace Australian Jews and encourages the Jew hatred now stalking your streets,” the Prime Minister’s Office stated in a series of posts on X, quoting Netanyahu.
“Antisemitism is a cancer. It spreads when leaders stay silent; it retreats when leaders act. I call upon you to replace weakness with action, appeasement with resolve,” he added.
Netanyahu accused the Australian government of inaction despite clear warning signs. “Instead of action, your government did nothing to stop the spread of antisemitism in Australia. You did nothing to curb the cancer cells that were growing inside your country. You took no action. You let the disease spread, and the result is the horrific attacks on Jews we saw today,” he said.
He also praised the bravery of a civilian, identified as 43-year-old Ahmed al-Ahmed, who intervened during the attack and overpowered one of the assailants. “We saw the action of a brave man—turns out a Muslim brave man—and I salute him,” Netanyahu said, crediting the individual with preventing further loss of life.
The terrorist attack occurred during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, resulting in 16 deaths and numerous injuries. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the incident as an act of antisemitic terrorism. It targeted a Jewish festival attended by hundreds of people.
Two gunmen were involved in the assault. One was killed by police, while the other was arrested and remains in critical condition. The perpetrators were later identified as a father-son duo, with the father shot dead at the scene and the son, 24-year-old Naveed Akram, hospitalized.
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from world leaders, including those from the United States, Israel, and other nations. It has also heightened concerns about rising antisemitism in Australia, with Jewish leaders warning of increasing hostility toward the community.
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