Former PM Turnbull Tells Netanyahu to “Stay Out of Australian Politics” After Hanukkah Attack

Former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has sharply rebuked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging him to “stay out of our politics” after Netanyahu linked Australia’s recognition of Palestinian statehood to the tragic Bondi Beach mass shooting.

The attack, which occurred on Sunday during Hanukkah celebrations, left 15 people dead after a father and son opened fire on the crowd. Netanyahu claimed that Australia’s decision to recognize Palestine earlier this year had “poured oil on the fire of antisemitism,” a remark Turnbull described as unhelpful and inappropriate.

Speaking to Channel 4 News in the UK, Turnbull said: “I would respectfully say to ‘Bibi’ Netanyahu, please stay out of our politics. If you’ve got that kind of commentary to make, you are not helping … and it’s not right.”

READ ALSO:

• WWE superstar John Cena retires from wrestling
• FIFA Introduces $60 “Supporter Entry Tier” Tickets Amid 2026 World Cup Pricing Backlash
• Gas-to-Power Debt Crisis Threatens Nationwide Electricity Supply as Gas Companies Cut Supplies

Turnbull supported the current Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government for recognizing Palestine in August 2025, emphasizing that Australia is a multicultural society that cannot allow foreign conflicts to be imported. He also stressed that the vast majority of nations recognize Palestinian statehood and support a two-state solution to the Middle East conflict.

Albanese echoed Turnbull’s stance, rejecting any connection between Australia’s policy on Palestine and the Bondi Beach attack. He described the moment as one of national unity and called for solidarity with the Jewish community affected by the tragedy.

The Prime Minister visited Ahmed Al-Ahmed, a Syrian-born shopkeeper hailed as a hero for disarming one of the attackers, who is now recovering in hospital. Albanese confirmed that the attackers, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed, were motivated by Daesh ideology.

The exchange highlights tensions between foreign commentary and domestic policy, reinforcing Australia’s commitment to multicultural harmony and security in the wake of violent attacks.

Former PM Turnbull Tells Netanyahu to “Stay Out of Australian Politics” After Hanukkah Attack

ARAB NEWS

US Embassy Warns Nigerians Against Visa Fraud, Threatens Permanent Entry Ban

The United States Embassy in Abuja has issued a stern warning to Nigerians against involvement in visa fraud, cautioning that providing false information or submitting fake documents during the application process could result in a permanent ban from entering the United States.

In a post on its official X handle on Monday, the embassy emphasized, “Visa fraud has serious consequences. Lying or providing fake documents can lead to permanent visa bans under U.S. immigration law.”

READ ALSO:

• Borno Police Defuse Unexploded Bomb Under Network Mast in Maiduguri
• Aisha Buhari Key to DSS DG Removal, Thwarts Alleged APC Primary Manipulation
• Dangote Raises Alarm Over Widespread Sabotage Crippling Nigeria’s Oil Sector

The warning coincided with a meeting between US Ambassador to Nigeria Richard Mills and Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, where both leaders discussed bilateral relations and areas of cooperation between the two countries.

The embassy reaffirmed its commitment to working with Nigeria on issues of mutual concern, urging visa applicants to adhere strictly to the rules to avoid jeopardizing future travel opportunities.

US Embassy Warns Nigerians Against Visa Fraud, Threatens Permanent Entry Ban

(UPDATED) Sydney Bondi Shooting: Anti-Semitic Attack Leaves 16 Dead, 40 Injured

Two alleged gunmen responsible for the deadly shooting at a Jewish Hanukkah celebration on Sydney’s Bondi Beach were a father and son, police confirmed on Monday, as Australia mourned its worst gun violence in nearly three decades.

The 50-year-old father was killed at the scene, bringing the total deaths to 16, while his 24-year-old son remains in critical condition in hospital. The pair have been identified by local media as Sajid Akram and Naveed Akram.

Authorities described Sunday’s attack as a targeted antisemitic incident, which left 40 people hospitalized, including two police officers in serious but stable condition. Victims ranged in age from 10 to 87.

The incident occurred at a packed Hanukkah event attended by roughly 1,000 people in a small park near Bondi Beach. Witnesses reported that the attack lasted approximately 10 minutes, sending attendees scattering across the sand and nearby streets.

READ ALSO:

• Nigeria FX Market: Dollar Demand Surges, Naira Slides Slightly in Festive Season
• Hollywood director Rob Reiner, wife Michele found dead in LA home
• End Biafra Agitation, Tinubu Has Integrated Ndigbo Into National Development — Umahi

A bystander hero, identified as Ahmed al Ahmed, tackled and disarmed one of the shooters during the attack, saving lives. The 43-year-old fruit shop owner, who was shot twice, underwent surgery, and a fundraising page supporting him raised over A$350,000.

Police stated that the father had held a firearms license since 2015 with six registered weapons. Home Minister Tony Burke noted the father arrived in Australia on a student visa in 1998, while his son is an Australian-born citizen.

Videos from the scene indicated that the attackers used what appeared to be a bolt-action rifle and a shotgun, although authorities have not released full details about the firearms.

Keywords for SEO: Sydney Bondi Beach shooting, Jewish Hanukkah attack, father and son gunmen, Australia gun violence, antisemitic attack, Sajid Akram, Naveed Akram, Ahmed al Ahmed hero, Bondi Beach tragedy.

(UPDATED) Sydney Bondi Shooting: Anti-Semitic Attack Leaves 16 Dead, 40 Injured