Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett laid the blame for the deadly mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney on the Australian government.
"The writing was on the wall. The Australian government bears responsibility," Bennett stated. "Tonight, Jews were attacked in Australia in the Bondi Beach Hanukkah massacre. A Jewish holiday gathering turned into a scene of terror. This is a moment of grief, and time for accountability."
He added: "I have just spoken with several Jewish community leaders in Sydney. They are fearful and outraged. For months, they warned of rising antisemitism. The writing was on the wall. It was ignored. This violence did not come out of nowhere. When antisemitic hatred is tolerated and threats are downplayed, attacks become inevitable."
Bennett demanded "that the Australian government take immediate, decisive action to protect Jewish communities and confront antisemitism as the serious threat it is."
"Statements of sympathy are no longer enough. Jews should not have to fear for their lives anywhere, including Australia," Bennett concluded.