Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu sent an official letter of condolence to his Australian counterpart on Tuesday, condemning the "brutal terrorist attack" which shook the country yesterday.
"On behalf of the people of Israel, please accept my heartfelt condolences following yesterday's brutal attack in Sydney," read the letter.
Following a similar theme to comments he made prior to his meeting with US Secretary of State John Kerry yesterday, as the hostage situation at a Sydney cafe continued to pan out, Netanyahu highlighted the common struggle of Israel and Australia against Islamist terrorism.
"Israel and Australia face the same scourge of ruthless Islamist terrorism which knows no geographic bounds and which targets innocent civilians indiscriminately. Now, more than ever, the international community must join hands and work together to defeat these forces of evil, which threaten the security of all civilized nations.
"Kindly convey our deepest condolences to the families of the victims. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the people of Australia at this difficult time," the letter concludes, signed "in friendship" and addressed to Australian PM Tony Abbott.
Islamist gunman Man Haron Monis took dozens of innocent customers and staff hostage at a Sydney cafe on Monday, engaging in a tense, 16-hour standoff with police before he was finally shot dead.
Two hostages were killed and four people - including a police officer - were wounded.