Australia has pushed back after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu branded Australian leader Anthony Albanese “weak,” with a senior minister accusing Netanyahu of confusing real strength with inflicting suffering.

Burke described Netanyahu’s attack as part of Israel’s tendency to “lash out” at countries that have moved to recognise a Palestinian state. He argued that true strength lies in how Albanese has handled difficult decisions: engaging directly with Netanyahu, listening to objections, and then moving ahead with public announcements.

Relations between Australia and Israel, once close, have sharply deteriorated in recent months. The lowest point came last week when Canberra announced it would formally recognise a Palestinian state — a move that triggered outrage in Tel Aviv.

The fallout escalated further this week when Australia cancelled the visa of far-right Israeli lawmaker Simcha Rothman, citing concerns his planned tour would “spread division.” Hours later, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar retaliated by revoking visas for Australian diplomats accredited to the Palestinian Authority.

Netanyahu’s criticism of Albanese, calling him a “weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia’s Jews,” marks one of the most direct clashes yet between the two allies.

Meanwhile, Israel faces mounting international pressure over its war in Gaza, where more than 62,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 7, 2023, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health.