Australia defends action on antisemitism after Netanyahu criticism

Australia's government defends against anti-semitism accusations from Netanyahu, taking strong actions to combat hate crimes and promote safety.

Australia's government defended its record on curbing anti-semitism on Saturday after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused it of anti-Israel policies, following an arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue.

Mr. Netanyahu accused Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's centre-left Labor government of encouraging crimes such as Friday's attack on the Adass Israel synagogue through policies including support of a recent UN motion backing a Palestinian state.

"Unfortunately, this criminal act cannot be separated from the anti-Israel spirit blowing from the Labor government in Australia," Mr. Netanyahu posted on X.

Murray Watt, Australia's Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, responded that "the Albanese Government has taken a range of strong actions to stand against antisemitism and to stamp it out from our community".

Since taking office in May 2022, the government had provided $25 million to Jewish organisations to upgrade security and safety at Jewish sites, including schools, banned the Nazi salute and was taking action against hate speech, Mr. Watt said.

"I respectfully disagree with Prime Minister Netanyahu on this matter," Mr. Watt said in Brisbane, according to a transcript.

Mr. Albanese condemned the attack on Friday, saying there was no place for anti-semitism in Australia.