Australian PM Pushes Back at Netanyahu: “I Do Not Accept His Claims”
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese forcefully rejected criticism from Prime Minister Netanyahu today, dismissing any connection between Canberra’s support for recognizing a Palestinian state and the deadly terror attack at a Chanukah celebration in Sydney.
Albanese’s remarks came a day after Netanyahu sharply rebuked the Australian government, accusing its policies of fueling a rise in antisemitism. “Their policy pours oil on the antisemitic fire,” Netanyahu said Sunday night.
Speaking Monday to Australian television, Albanese responded unequivocally: he said he “does not accept Netanyahu’s claim linking recognition of a Palestinian state to the attack.”
Rather than address the policy failures that many in Australia say contributed to the tragedy, Albanese argued that the country is confronting a wide range of threats. He said that both “the rise of antisemitism and of the extreme right” represent serious dangers, adding that as prime minister, his responsibility is “to bring the Australian nation together and overcome the forces seeking to divide us and set Australians against each other.”
“This is a time to embrace the Jewish community,” he insisted, “not only those directly affected by the attack — everyone.”
Meanwhile, New South Wales Premier Chris Minns visited the hospitalized hero who subdued one of the terrorists. Minns met with Ahmad al-Ahmad, the courageous civilian who wrestled a gunman to the ground during the massacre.
“Ahmad is a true hero,” Minns said after the meeting. “Last night, his incredible bravery undoubtedly saved countless lives when he disarmed a terrorist at enormous personal risk.”
{Matzav.com}