Israeli Prime Minister says recognition of a Palestinian state fueled anti-Semitism, as Australia probes a terror shooting at a Hanukkah event in Sydney.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sharply criticized Australia’s government following a deadly attack at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, accusing Canberra of fostering an atmosphere that enabled anti-Semitic violence.
In a statement issued after the shooting at Bondi Beach, Netanyahu said he had warned Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese earlier this year that recognizing a Palestinian state would, in his words, “pour fuel on the anti-Semitic fire.” He added that “history will not forgive hesitation and weakness.”
The comments came hours after gunmen opened fire during a public Hanukkah event on the evening of Sunday November 14, 2025, killing at least 16 people and injuring 29 others, according to Australian authorities. One of the attackers was shot dead by police at the scene, while the second was taken into custody in critical condition.
Australian officials described the incident as a targeted attack on the Jewish community. The assault took place on the first night of Hanukkah, a major Jewish holiday, at a crowded beachfront location popular with locals and tourists.
Netanyahu linked the violence directly to Australia’s position on Palestinian statehood, saying recognition “rewards Hamas terrorists, emboldens those who threaten Australian Jews, and encourages the Jew hatred now stalking your streets.” His remarks underscore growing international tensions over how Western governments address the Israel-Palestinian conflict amid rising anti-Semitic incidents worldwide.
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Prime Minister Albanese condemned the shooting as “evil beyond comprehension” and expressed solidarity with Australia’s Jewish community. However, several Jewish leaders have criticized his government, arguing that official responses to anti-Semitism have been inadequate in recent months.
Australia has not formally recognized a Palestinian state, but the issue has been debated domestically as more countries move toward recognition. Globally, 157 of the United Nations’ 193 member states—about 81 percent—currently recognize Palestine as a sovereign nation. The Holy See, which governs Vatican City and holds UN observer status, has also extended recognition.
Authorities said the death toll could have been significantly higher if not for the actions of a bystander. Local media identified the man as Ahmed al-Ahmed, a Sydney fruit shop owner, who ran toward one of the gunmen from behind and wrestled the weapon away during a pause in gunfire.
Netanyahu praised al-Ahmed, calling him a “brave Muslim man” whose actions saved lives. The acknowledgment was widely shared on social media as a rare moment of unity following the attack.
As investigations continue, Australian police are reviewing security measures at public religious events, while political leaders face mounting pressure to address community safety and rising fears linked to global conflicts playing out far beyond the Middle East.
Africa Daily News, New York
