Australia’s Home Affairs minister challenges the notion of strength, arguing it is not measured by the number of people one can kill or leave in hunger.
In response to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calling Australia’s Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, “weak,” an Australian minister accused Netanyahu of confusing strength with the ability to cause destruction and harm.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated in an interview with Australia’s national broadcaster that strength should not be gauged “by how many people you can blow up or how many children you can leave hungry.”
Burke’s remarks follow Netanyahu’s critical statement on social media, labeling Albanese as a “weak politician” who has betrayed Israel and the Australian Jewish community.
Burke, speaking on the ABC’s Radio National Breakfast, interpreted Netanyahu’s criticism as part of Israel’s reaction to countries recognizing a Palestinian state.
“Strength is better measured by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s approach, which is to engage in direct conversation with Benjamin Netanyahu when decisions might displease Israel. He listens to objections and then makes a public announcement and takes necessary action,” Burke said.
Australia and Israel, traditionally allies, have seen their relationship deteriorate over the conflict in Gaza and the recent announcement by Australia to recognize a Palestinian state.
Australia has also cancelled the visa of Simcha Rothman, a member of Israel’s governing coalition, over concerns about a speaking tour aiming to “spread division.”
In retaliation, Israel revoked the visas of Australian diplomats to the Palestinian Authority, heightening tensions.
Internationally, Israel faces criticism over its military actions in Gaza, which have caused significant humanitarian suffering, with over 62,000 Palestinians killed since October 2023, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated in an interview with Australia’s national broadcaster that strength should not be gauged “by how many people you can blow up or how many children you can leave hungry.”
Burke’s remarks follow Netanyahu’s critical statement on social media, labeling Albanese as a “weak politician” who has betrayed Israel and the Australian Jewish community.
Burke, speaking on the ABC’s Radio National Breakfast, interpreted Netanyahu’s criticism as part of Israel’s reaction to countries recognizing a Palestinian state.
“Strength is better measured by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s approach, which is to engage in direct conversation with Benjamin Netanyahu when decisions might displease Israel. He listens to objections and then makes a public announcement and takes necessary action,” Burke said.
Australia and Israel, traditionally allies, have seen their relationship deteriorate over the conflict in Gaza and the recent announcement by Australia to recognize a Palestinian state.
Australia has also cancelled the visa of Simcha Rothman, a member of Israel’s governing coalition, over concerns about a speaking tour aiming to “spread division.”
In retaliation, Israel revoked the visas of Australian diplomats to the Palestinian Authority, heightening tensions.
Internationally, Israel faces criticism over its military actions in Gaza, which have caused significant humanitarian suffering, with over 62,000 Palestinians killed since October 2023, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health.
