Israeli PM demands Western governments fight antisemitism and protect Jewish communities following a deadly mass shooting in Sydney.
JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called on Western countries to intensify their fight against antisemitism and protect Jewish communities.
His demand comes two days after a deadly mass shooting at a Jewish Hanukkah event on a Sydney beach.
“I demand that Western governments do what is necessary to fight antisemitism and provide the required safety and security for Jewish communities worldwide,” Netanyahu said in a video address.
“They would do well to heed our warnings. I demand action — now,” he added.
The attack on Sunday evening killed 15 people and wounded dozens more.
Australian authorities have described the shooting as an antisemitic attack.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it appeared to be “motivated by Islamic State ideology”.
On Sunday, Netanyahu accused Canberra of having fuelled antisemitism in the period leading up to the shooting.
“A few months ago I wrote to the Australian prime minister that your policy is pouring oil on the fire of antisemitism,” he said.
He was referring to a letter sent in August after Australia announced it would recognise Palestinian statehood.
“Antisemitism is a cancer that spreads when leaders are silent,” Netanyahu added during a televised public address.
Foreign Minister Gideon Saar echoed the sentiment in a call with Australian counterpart Penny Wong.
Saar urged Canberra to act against the “surge” in antisemitism. – AFP
