Israel is escalating tensions with Western allies as several prepare to recognize a Palestinian state next month.
According to CNN, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent strongly worded letters to French President Emmanuel Macron and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, accusing them of fueling antisemitism by backing Palestinian statehood.
Netanyahu called the recognition plans “appeasement” and a “reward” for Hamas terror.
France quickly rebuked the criticism, saying it would continue to protect Jewish citizens. Australia also rejected Netanyahu’s rhetoric after its government denied visas to far-right Israeli politicians.
Australia has hit back at Israel with a government minister saying, ‘strength is not measured by how many people you can blow up or how many children you can leave hungry.’ His rebuke came after Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu accused Australia’s leader of ‘betrayal’. pic.twitter.com/dF0hcKY1UZ
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) August 20, 2025
Netanyahu later blasted Albanese on social media as a “weak politician,” prompting pushback from Australian leaders.
France, Australia, Canada, and Portugal intend to recognize Palestinian statehood at the United Nations in September, joining more than 140 countries worldwide. The United States has opposed the move, warning it undermines peace and emboldens Hamas.
