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

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.”

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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