What’s happening

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged Australian authorities to take a firm stand against antisemitic incidents, pointing to a recent arson attack on the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne. He criticized what he perceived as the Australian Labor government’s anti-Israel rhetoric, which he believes contributes to such hostility towards Jewish communities.

Why it matters

The remarks from Netanyahu emphasize the need for international cooperation and vigilance against antisemitism globally. By highlighting the connection between political rhetoric and acts of violence, Netanyahu is calling for stronger measures to protect Jewish communities in Australia and beyond.

What Netanyahu said

On social media, Netanyahu described the synagogue fire as a “reprehensible act of antisemitism” and linked it to the Labor government’s stance on Israel, including their support of UN resolutions critical of Israel. He called for Australian authorities to ensure such acts are prevented in the future.

Australia’s response

In response, Australian officials, including Murray Watt, emphasized the government’s commitment to fighting antisemitism by allocating $25 million to enhance security at Jewish sites and taking legal actions against hate speech.

The big picture

Australia has seen an increase in antisemitic incidents amid heightened tensions following the Israel-Gaza conflict. As discussions continue, some voices, such as former treasurer Josh Frydenberg, argue for labeling such incidents as terrorism to underscore their severity and motivate stronger responses.

This story was first published on jpost.com.