Albanese downplays Netanyahu's criticism

2025-08-20 08:34:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he treats leaders of other countries with respect after his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, criticized him over his decision to recognize a Palestinian state.

"I don't take these things personally, I engage with people diplomatically. He has said similar things about other leaders," Albanese said on August 20 during a press conference.

Netanyahu's personal attacks on the Albanian woman have further strained relations between the two countries. Relations deteriorated after Australia decided last week to recognize a Palestinian state during the United Nations General Assembly to be held in September.

"History will remember Albanese for what he is: a weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned the Jews of Australia," Netanyahu said in a post on X a day ago.

Albanese told reporters that he had informed Netanyahu of Australia's decision to support a Palestinian state before his government officially announced the plan.

"At that time, I gave Prime Minister Netanyahu clear indications of what my position and Australia's position would be in the future, but I also gave him clear indications of the path we are on," Albanese said.

"I gave him the opportunity to show what possibilities there are for a political solution to this issue," he added.

Other countries, such as France, Britain and Canada, have also previously announced that they will recognize a Palestinian state.

Earlier this week, Israel revoked visas for Australian diplomats in the Palestinian Authority, after the Australian government revoked the visa of an Israeli lawmaker over statements it deemed inflammatory and controversial.

Israel is facing international pressure over its military offensive in the Gaza Strip, where more than 62,000 Palestinians have been killed and residents are facing a deep humanitarian crisis.

The war in Gaza began after Hamas - the Palestinian group designated a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union - attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing nearly 1,200 people and kidnapping 251 others./ Rel