Western powers face diplomatic assaults from Israel in anticipation of Palestinian statehood endorsement
In a series of strong-worded letters, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused the leaders of France and Australia of fueling antisemitism. This comes as the United Nations General Assembly's high-level debate is set to recognise a Palestinian state on the same date.
The diplomatic spat between Israel and these Western nations has intensified, with Israel launching diplomatic attacks following Australia's announcement to recognise a Palestinian state next month. In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar has revoked the residence visas of Australian representatives in the Palestinian Authority and instructed Israel's embassy in Canberra to scrutinise every official Australian request for a visa to Israel.
Netanyahu's letters, addressed to French President Emmanuel Macron and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, link recent antisemitic and anti-Israel incidents to the governments' positions on the Gaza war and Palestinian statehood. The Elysee Palace issued a sharp rebuke to Netanyahu's letter, stating that France protects and will always protect its Jewish citizens.
Australia's Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke rebutted Netanyahu's "weak" accusation, stating that "strength is not measured by how many people you can blow up or how many children you can leave hungry." Albanese, when speaking to local reporters, said he did not "take it personally" and that he treats leaders of other countries with respect and engages with them in a diplomatic way.
Netanyahu has set a deadline for the leaders of Australia and France to take action against antisemitism, calling on them to act before the Jewish New Year on September 23. This comes as more than 140 countries, including Australia, France, Canada, and Portugal, are set to join in recognizing Palestinian statehood next month.
The tensions between Israel and Australia have worsened since Canberra announced its intention to recognize a Palestinian state, following its imposition of sanctions on Israeli far-right ministers in June. Netanyahu has attacked Albanese on social media, saying, "History will remember Albanese for what he is: A weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia's Jews."
Notably, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen described Netanyahu as a "problem in himself." The United Kingdom has conditionally stated it will recognise a Palestinian state if Israel meets certain criteria, including agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon recently stated that Netanyahu has "lost the plot."
As the diplomatic row continues, both France and Australia have yet to respond publicly to Netanyahu's letters and deadlines. The future of the relationship between these nations and Israel remains uncertain.
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