Netanyahu blames Australia after Sydney shooting targeting Jewish celebration

Israeli leaders condemned a shooting in Sydney that targeted a Hanukkah celebration and killed 11 people on Sunday, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accusing Canberra of fuelling antisemitism in the lead-up to the attack. Brendan Berne, a former Australian ambassador to France and to APEC, called the accusations “unfair,” saying Israeli politicians were seeking to “defame” Australia. While noting a rise in antisemitism, Berne said the Australian government has stepped up efforts in recent years to combat hatred against Jews at home and abroad.