Overview
- Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar spoke with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong following the deadly attack in Sydney, with Sa’ar saying they connected twice within 24 hours.
- Sa’ar conveyed Israel’s sorrow over the attack and urged Canberra to take strong action against what he described as antisemitic calls in public life.
- He cited a post–Oct. 7 surge in antisemitism in Australia, pointing to synagogue burnings, Israeli flag burnings, and hate-filled marches.
- Sa’ar said slogans such as “Globalize the Intifada,” “From the River to the Sea,” and “Death to the IDF” are not legitimate free speech and contribute to violence.
- He said minister Amichai Chikli is en route to Australia to support the Jewish community and declined to comment on reports of any prior Israeli warnings to authorities.