Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has firmly rejected accusations from his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, that Australia's decision to recognise Palestine contributed to a deadly antisemitic attack in Sydney. The Prime Minister stated the Bondi Beach shooting on December 14, 2025, was inspired by the extremist ideology of ISIS, which opposes the very concept of nation-states.
Netanyahu's Accusation and Albanese's Rebuttal
The diplomatic exchange was triggered by comments from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He revealed he had written to Albanese months earlier, warning that Australia's policies were "pouring oil on the flames of antisemitism" and encouraging hatred against Jewish people in the country.
In a strong response, Prime Minister Albanese dismissed any connection between the government's foreign policy stance and the horrific attack. "This was an ISIS-inspired attack. We know that ISIS is an ideology, a perversion of Islam that essentially doesn't agree with any recognition of nation states, seeks a caliphate," Albanese clarified during a press conference.
He emphasised the antisemitic nature of the assault, pointing to evidence gathered in the ongoing investigation. "It is an extremist ideology that seeks a caliphate as its objective. Now there is evidence there … some of which, of course, is not yet public, and I don't want to interfere with those investigations, but it is very clear that this is antisemitic," the Australian leader added.
Details of the Bondi Beach Tragedy
The attack, which has shocked Australia and drawn global condemnation, occurred during a Jewish holiday celebration marking the start of Hanukkah at Sydney's famous Bondi Beach. Two gunmen opened fire on the crowd, resulting in 15 fatalities and over 40 people injured. Among the dead was a child.
Australian authorities identified the assailants as Naveed Akram, 24, and his 50-year-old father, Sajid Akram. Sajid Akram died at the scene, while his son, Naveed, was critically wounded and taken into custody under police guard at a hospital.
Shooter Transferred to Correctional Centre
In a recent development, New South Wales police confirmed that Naveed Akram has been moved from a hospital to a correctional facility. The transfer was conducted with high security involving multiple police units. The investigation into the attack has uncovered chilling details, including an alleged Islamic State-inspired video manifesto and plans involving explosive devices.
National Day of Reflection and Aftermath
The nation continues to grapple with the aftermath of the violence. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, along with his wife Jodie Haydon, participated in a ceremony at Bondi Beach on December 21, 2025, designated as a National Day of Reflection for the victims and survivors. The attack has sparked intense debates on national security, counter-terrorism measures, and social cohesion in Australia.
Albanese's firm rejection of Netanyahu's linkage underscores the Australian government's position that the attack was driven by global terrorist ideology, not its diplomatic recognition of Palestine. The dialogue highlights the complex intersection of international politics, domestic security, and the fight against extremism.
