Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Wednesday that he treats leaders of other countries with respect after his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu attacked him over his decision to recognise a Palestinian state.
"I don't take these things personally, I engage with people diplomatically. He has had similar things to say about other leaders," Albanese said during a media briefing.
Netanyahu's personal attack on Albanese has further strained relations between the two countries. Ties soured after Australia decided last week to conditionally recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in September.
"History will remember Albanese for what he is: A weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia's Jews," Netanyahu said in a post on X on Tuesday.
Albanese told reporters that he had informed Netanyahu about Australia's decision to support a Palestinian state before his centre-left government formally announced the plan.
"At that time, I gave Prime Minister Netanyahu a clear indication of my view and Australia's view going forward but also a clear indication of the direction in which we were headed," Albanese said.
"I gave him the opportunity to outline what political solution there was and gave him that opportunity."
Israel this week revoked the visas of Australian diplomats to the Palestinian Authority after Albanese's Labor government cancelled the visa of an Israeli lawmaker over remarks the Australian government considered controversial and inflammatory.
Israel has been facing increasing international pressure over its military offensive in the Gaza Strip that has killed thousands of civilians and plunged Gaza into a humanitarian crisis, displacing most of its population.
The offensive began nearly two years ago after Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 more hostage.
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Disney+ has debuted Disney Animation’s Songs in Sign Language, a new collection of animated musical sequences reimagined in American Sign Language (ASL), released on 27 April to mark National Deaf History Month.
The top U.S. diplomat in Taiwan on Monday urged the island’s opposition-controlled parliament to approve President Lai Ching-te’s proposed $40 billion supplemental defence budget, citing rising pressure from China.
Israeli air strikes have killed at least 14 people in southern Lebanon, according to the country’s Health Ministry, as tensions continue despite an ongoing ceasefire.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 27th of April, covering the latest developments you need to know.
China’s growing use of electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles took centre stage at the Beijing Auto Show 2026, which opened on 24 April, highlighting the country’s expanding clean transport ambitions.
U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were rushed out of the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner by Secret Service agents after a 31 year old suspect attempted to storm event.
More than 1,000 firefighters are battling to contain two major wildfires in northern Japan for a fourth consecutive day, as flames advance towards residential areas and force thousands to flee.
President Donald Trump said on Sunday Iran could telephone if it wants to negotiate an end to their two-month war. Tehran said the U.S. should remove obstacles to a deal, including its blockade of Iran's ports. Meanwhile Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrives in Moscow for talks.
U.S. President Donald Trump says it was "too expensive" for Witkoff and Kushner to go to Islamabad as Iran says they are waiting to see if America is "truly serious about diplomacy". Israel's armed forces has launched a missle attack into Lebanon after Hezbollah fired rockets into north Israel.
The top U.S. diplomat in Taiwan on Monday urged the island’s opposition-controlled parliament to approve President Lai Ching-te’s proposed $40 billion supplemental defence budget, citing rising pressure from China.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 27th of April, covering the latest developments you need to know.
U.S. President Donald Trump has described the man accused of attempting an attack at a high-profile Washington gala at the weekend as a “pretty sick guy”, saying relatives had previously alerted authorities to his behaviour.
King Charles' state visit to the U.S. will go ahead as planned on Monday despite a shooting at a White House dinner attended by President Donald Trump, Buckingham Palace said after discussions with U.S. officials.
According to U.S. media, Cole Tomas Allen, aged 31, carried guns and knives while he attempted to storm the White House Correspondents' Dinner in the Hilton Washington hotel on Saturday, 25 April 2026.
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