Asked about Netanyahu’s criticism, Australian PM only calls for ‘national unity’

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declines to directly respond to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blaming him for ignoring warnings about attacks on the Jewish community before the deadly shooting against a Hanukkah event today.

Asked at a press conference about Netanyahu’s comments, Albanese responds that “this is a moment for national unity, this is a moment for Australians to come together, that’s precisely what we will be doing.”

Questioned on whether Australian security authorities had failed to protect the Jewish community, Albanese says that “our authorities do an extraordinary job,” and “will conduct a thorough investigation.”

Albanese also declines to take responsibility for ignoring warnings from the Jewish community.

Asked if he has failed Jewish Australians, the prime minister says that “my government will continue to stand with Jewish Australians and will continue to stamp out antisemitism in all its forms.”