Netanyahu Comments on Sydney Attack, Criticizes Australia: 'Anti-Semitism is a Cancer that Spreads When Leaders are Silent'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented on Sunday on the Sydney attack at Bondi Beach that killed over 10 people, using the incident to launch sharp criticism against the Australian government.

Netanyahu's Remarks and Criticism of Australia:

• Defining Anti-Semitism: Netanyahu stated: "Anti-Semitism is a cancer that spreads when leaders are silent."

• Criticizing Australian Policy: Netanyahu revealed that he wrote to the Australian Prime Minister "months ago" to inform him that his government's policies "encourage hatred of Jews."

• Context: Netanyahu's remarks follow reports of a series of attacks described as anti-Semitic targeting synagogues, buildings, and cars in Australia since the start of the Israel-Gaza war in October 2023.

Israeli Foreign Minister's Reaction:

• Gideon Sa'ar, the Israeli Foreign Minister, expressed his deep dismay over the shooting.

• Sa'ar said the incident was the "consequences of the prevalence of anti-Semitism in the streets of Australia" over the past two years, citing "anti-Semitic and inflammatory calls for 'globalizing the Intifada'" that were embodied in the attack.

Location Context:

• Bondi Beach is one of the world's most famous beaches, typically crowded with tourists and visitors.