A deadly attack at a Jewish festival on Sydney’s Bondi Beach has intensified diplomatic friction between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu, while igniting a national debate on antisemitism and security. Albanese has faced growing domestic and international pressure to strengthen his government’s response after Netanyahu accused him of “doing nothing” to confront antisemitic threats.
Albanese Vows Action After Netanyahu Criticism
Speaking on Monday, Albanese urged unity and vowed that his government would take “whatever action is necessary.” He outlined a series of existing measures, including laws against hate speech and incitement to violence, a ban on the Nazi salute, and extended funding for the security of Jewish community organisations.
The Prime Minister also emphasised the need for tighter gun laws, despite Australia already maintaining some of the world’s strictest firearms regulations. “Without stronger safeguards, we risk complacency,” he said.
Jewish leaders expressed grief and anger following the attack. “When antisemitism goes unchecked from the top, these are the things that happen,” said Rabbi Levi Wolff of Sydney’s Central Synagogue, whose friend was among the victims.
Calls for Tougher Measures
Jillian Segal, the government’s special envoy on antisemitism, said the tragedy “did not come without warning,” citing a rise in antisemitic graffiti, vandalism and arson targeting Jewish institutions. Her report released in July urged the government to enhance hate-crime laws, strengthen visa screenings for extremist views, and improve oversight in universities and cultural organisations.
Opposition leader Sussan Ley accused the Labor government of allowing antisemitism to “fester,” calling for full implementation of Segal’s recommendations. “Everything must change from today in how governments respond,” she said.
At the July report launch, Albanese condemned antisemitism as an “evil scourge” and pledged A$25 million to bolster security at Jewish schools and community sites. He also cautioned against conflating criticism of Israel’s policies with hatred of Jewish people. “You should be able to express your view about overseas events,” he said, “but blaming people because they happen to be Jewish crosses the line.”
Protests, Politics and Diplomatic Fallout
Australia’s multicultural balance has complicated the government’s response. Weekly protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza have continued in Sydney since 2023, reflecting divisions within migrant communities, including Australia’s large Lebanese population.
Tensions with Israel worsened in August when Tel Aviv revoked the visas of Australian diplomats in the occupied Palestinian territories after Canberra recognised Palestine a move Foreign Minister Penny Wong called “unjustified.” The same month, Australia expelled Iran’s ambassador after intelligence agencies linked antisemitic arson attacks to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.
The Bondi attack has also reignited debate over immigration and border control. Opposition parties, under pressure from the populist One Nation party, are preparing new migration proposals. However, Immigration Minister Tony Burke said the suspected gunman was Australian-born and that his father, who also died in the attack, migrated to Australia in 1998.
He highlighted the bravery of Ahmed al Ahmed, a Syrian Muslim bystander who disarmed one of the attackers. “It is very difficult to prevent single acts of terror,” former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull told the ABC, calling for unity and resilience in the aftermath.
As Australia mourns, Albanese faces the challenge of balancing national security, free expression, and the need to combat antisemitism all while managing a sensitive diplomatic rift with Israel.
（with inputs from Reuters）
