Netanyahu Warns Australia Over Policies, Flags Rising Risk of Antisemitism

Addressing ministers, Netanyahu disclosed that on August 17—nearly four months ago—he sent a formal letter to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to express his apprehensions. In that communication, he cautioned that certain policy approaches adopted by the Australian government were, in his view, creating conditions that may encourage or legitimize hostility toward the Jewish community.

Netanyahu told the cabinet that the issue was not merely rhetorical or diplomatic in nature but carried tangible social consequences. He emphasized that the policies in question risked fostering an environment in which antisemitic attitudes could grow, posing challenges to communal harmony and minority safety. The Israeli leader underscored the importance of recognizing early warning signs and responding decisively before such trends become entrenched.

The prime minister did not specify which Australian policies he believed were contributing to the problem, but he stressed that his letter to Albanese was intended as a direct appeal for attention and corrective action. According to Netanyahu, the communication reflected Israel’s broader concern over the global resurgence of antisemitism and the responsibility of governments to counter it through clear policy choices and public messaging.

His remarks come amid heightened international sensitivity around issues of discrimination and hate speech, with several countries grappling with reports of rising antisemitic incidents. By raising the matter at a cabinet meeting, Netanyahu signaled that Israel views the issue as a significant diplomatic and moral concern, rather than a routine bilateral disagreement.

The episode highlights growing tensions in international discourse over how domestic policies intersect with minority rights and social cohesion. As governments worldwide face scrutiny over their approach to combating hate and extremism, Netanyahu’s warning underscores the broader implications of policy decisions and the enduring global challenge of addressing antisemitism effectively.