Jewish groups have accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of endangering the community as a diplomatic stoush between Australia and Israel continues.
Mr Netanyahu used a television appearance to continue criticism of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese after the federal government announced plans to recognise Palestinian statehood.
Mr Netanyahu said that amounted to siding with Hamas, a listed terrorist organisation that controls the devastated enclave.
“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,” Mr Netanyahu told Sky News on Thursday.
“When the worst terrorist organisation on earth … which murdered women, raped them, beheaded men and burnt babies alive in front of their parents and took hundreds of hostages, when these people congratulate the prime minister of Australia, you know something is wrong.”
But Jewish Council of Australia executive officer Max Kaiser said the verbal attacks from the Israeli prime minister did not represent the views of the community.
“Benjamin Netanyahu does not speak for Australian Jews. His attack on Prime Minister Albanese is baseless, reckless and endangers our community,” he told AAP.
“We are appalled but not surprised that Netanyahu would try to exploit fears in our community to defend Israel’s ongoing atrocities.”
Australia/Israel and Jewish Affairs Council public affairs director Jamie Hyams said he could see where the Israeli prime minister was coming from in his critique of Mr Albanese.
“I can understand Mr Netanyahu’s anger. I don’t necessarily agree with all of his tactics, but I can understand his anger because there has been a lot of flak coming from Australia’s government towards Israel and towards him personally,” Mr Hyams told ABC Radio.
“As a very patriotic Australian, and also as someone who loves Israel, it breaks my heart to see our two great countries that have had such a productive and friendly relationship for so many years come to this point.”
It comes as Australia joined with allies in rebuking Israel over its plan to build illegal settlements in the West Bank
Foreign Minister Penny Wong released a joint statement overnight – alongside her counterparts from 20 countries, including Canada, Italy, Japan and the UK – calling on Israel to immediately reverse its decision to construct 3400 homes in the E1 area east of Jerusalem.
The plan, devised by far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, would effectively cut the Palestinian-controlled West Bank in two and would violate international law.
“Minister Smotrich says this plan will make a two-state solution impossible by dividing any Palestinian state and restricting Palestinian access to Jerusalem,” the joint statement said.
“This brings no benefits to the Israeli people. Instead, it risks undermining security and fuels further violence and instability, taking us further away from peace.”
The statement represents another divergence in policy with the US, which remains Israel’s most steadfast supporter
Diplomatic ties hit an all-time low this week after the federal government denied a visa to far-right Israeli politician Simcha Rothman, blocking him from entering the country for a speaking tour, following provocative comments.
Israel retaliated by cancelling the visas of three Australian diplomats engaged with the Palestinian Authority.
“(Australia and Israel) had a great relationship over the years,” Mr Netanyahu said.
“I think it’s gone astray because leaders did not show the strength and conviction they should have, when we’re fighting the war of Western civilisation against these barbarians.”
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