by Emmitt Barry, with reporting from Worthy News Jerusalem Bureau Staff
JERUSALEM (Worthy News) – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sharply escalated his criticism of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in an interview broadcast Thursday, denouncing Canberra’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state as a “sign of weakness” and warning that Israel would push forward with its military takeover of Gaza even if Hamas agrees to a ceasefire and hostage release deal.
Speaking to Sky News Australia’s Sharri Markson, Netanyahu accused Albanese of appeasing terrorists and claimed his legacy would be permanently stained.
“I’m sure he has a reputable record as a public servant, but I think his record is forever tarnished by the weakness that he showed in the face of these Hamas terrorist monsters,” Netanyahu said. “When the worst terrorist organization on earth… congratulates the prime minister of Australia, you know something is wrong.”
Gaza Offensive to Continue
The Israeli leader insisted that the war would not end until Hamas is fully dismantled. Asked whether Israel would proceed with a full military takeover of Gaza even if the terror group agreed to a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal, Netanyahu replied:
“We’re going to do that anyway. There was never a question that we’re not going to leave Hamas there… It’s like leaving the SS in Germany.”
Netanyahu added that the war “could end today” if Hamas surrendered and freed the remaining 50 hostages, at least 20 of whom are believed to be alive. He argued that Israel’s goal was not to occupy Gaza but to “free” it from Hamas rule and secure a different future for both Israelis and Palestinians.
Tensions With Australia
Relations between Canberra and Jerusalem have nosedived since Albanese announced Australia would recognize Palestinian statehood, aligning with similar moves by several European countries. Netanyahu said the decision betrayed over a century of friendship, citing his 2017 visit to Beersheba to commemorate the Australian Light Horse victory in World War I.
“It’s appeasement, pure and simple,” Netanyahu declared, drawing a parallel to the 1938 Munich Agreement.
Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke pushed back this week, saying strength is not measured “by how many people you can blow up or how many children you can leave hungry.”
Trump’s Backing
Netanyahu also revealed that former U.S. President Donald Trump considered Australia’s recognition of Palestine “irrelevant,” and remained fully supportive of Israel’s military campaign to capture Gaza City and eliminate Hamas.
He pointed to the Trump-brokered Abraham Accords as proof that Israel could expand peace with Arab states once the war was over. “After our victory, we’re going to have plenty more,” he said.
Warning Against Antisemitism
The prime minister further accused Albanese of failing to confront a “tsunami of antisemitism” in Australia, citing recent synagogue attacks and violent rhetoric in Sydney and Melbourne.
“If you don’t stop them when they’re small, they get bigger and bigger and ultimately they consume your society,” Netanyahu warned.
He likened Western leaders’ approach to “feeding the crocodile of militant Islam,” cautioning that appeasement would only embolden extremists.
Reporting contributed by Worthy News staff and wire services.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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