Overview

• Benjamin Netanyahu used a Sky News Australia interview to accuse Anthony Albanese of weakness and betrayal over policy on Israel and Palestine.
• Netanyahu said Israel will seize Gaza City and dismantle Hamas regardless of any ceasefire or hostage agreement, framing the campaign as nearing completion.
• He rejected allegations of genocide or deliberate starvation in Gaza, claiming Israel delivered about 2 million tons of aid and alleging Hamas theft of supplies.
• The bilateral rift deepened after Australia denied a visa to far-right Israeli MP Simcha Rothman and Israel cancelled visas for three Australian diplomats engaging the Palestinian Authority.
• Australia joined more than 20 countries in a joint statement urging Israel to reverse the E1 settlement plan near Jerusalem, warning it violates international law and harms prospects for a two-state solution.