Canberra, Aug 20 (NationPress) Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the media on Wednesday, emphasizing his commitment to treating global leaders with respect, following remarks from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who labeled him a "weak" politician. Netanyahu's office took to the social media platform X on Tuesday night, stating that history would mark Albanese as a "weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia's Jews."

This incident marks a significant escalation in the diplomatic tensions between the two nations, which flared up after Albanese's announcement earlier this month regarding Australia's formal recognition of a Palestinian state during the upcoming 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in September.

In response, Albanese conveyed in a press conference in Adelaide that he would not let Netanyahu's criticisms personally affect him and would maintain a diplomatic and respectful approach. He noted that his primary responsibility is to represent the interests of Australia, highlighting that Australians desire peace between Israelis and Palestinians, urging them to "stop killing each other."

He remarked, "Australians observe the news coverage, despite limited media presence in Gaza. They witness the escalating settlements in the West Bank and Israel's decision in March to restrict essential aid, food, and water access that Gaza residents desperately need. They believe that something must change."

Tony Burke, Australia's minister for home affairs, commented on Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio, stating that Netanyahu has "lashed out" at various nations supporting Palestinian statehood, asserting, "Strength is not gauged by the number of casualties or by how many children are left starving."

On Monday, the Australian government declared that it would prevent far-right Israeli politician Simcha Rothman from entering the country just days before his scheduled speaking tour. This decision was followed by Israel revoking the visas of Australia’s diplomatic representatives to the Palestinian Authority, according to reports from Xinhua news agency.

Reports from Sky News Australia on Tuesday indicated that Netanyahu had written to Albanese on Sunday, accusing him of neglecting the rising issue of antisemitism in Australia.