Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has leveled a serious accusation at Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, claiming that Albanese ignored warnings about a surge in antisemitism prior to the recent shooting at Bondi Beach.

In a scathing interview, Netanyahu expressed that the tragic attack could have been avoided. He criticized Albanese for not taking action, despite receiving clear warnings months before the incident.

Netanyahu emphasized that adequate protection at Jewish community events could have saved lives, condemning the current security measures as both reckless and outdated.

When questioned on whether Albanese disregarded his appeals to combat antisemitism, Netanyahu candidly responded, “I’m afraid he did.”

Speaking with Sky News host Sharri Markson, Netanyahu reiterated, “These tragic outcomes were inevitable, just as I warned Prime Minister Albanese.”

He further mentioned, “In my letter to Prime Minister Albanese a few months ago, I clearly stated that an increase in antisemitism was inevitable. There was no doubt it was going to happen.”

‘I say now to the Australian government: damn it, wake up! You don’t need any more warnings, you’ve already received enough.’

Netanyahu said the Albanese government’s decision to formally recognise Palestine effectively rewarded Hamas for the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (pictured) said Australia had failed to protect its Jewish population against the rising threat of antisemitism despite repeated warnings

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has denied his treatment of Palestine in any way contributed to the kinds of violence against Jewish people seen at Bondi Beach on Sunday

The move sent a dangerous signal internationally and domestically, he said.

‘The message that was heard by this action was ‘Kill Jews, you’ll get rewarded’,’ he said.

Netanyahu said the consequences were now being felt in Australia, where he claimed authorities failed to respond to clear warning signs.

Albanese rejected any link between Australia’s treatment of Palestine and the Bondi Beach terror attacks after Netanyahu raised the idea in a speech earlier this week.

‘No, I don’t,’ he told the ABC’s 7.30 program when asked if he accepted any link between the two. ‘Overwhelmingly, most of the world recognises a two-state solution as being the way forward in the Middle East.’

Netanyahu said Jewish communities around the world were being targeted precisely because attackers knew they were vulnerable and often unprotected.

He said that was why Bondi Beach was chosen by alleged gunmen Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed, 24, who opened fire on a Jewish event on Sunday night, killing 15 people and injuring dozens more.

‘These terrorists are now looking for the places where Jews are vulnerable.’

Bondi Beach became the scene of Australia’s deadliest mass shooting in decades on Sunday, when alleged gunmen Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed, 24, (pictured) opened fire 

The Bondi Beach terror attacks have left deep scars on the Jewish community, both in Australia and abroad. Mourners are pictured at a makeshift memorial on Monday

Jewish security groups in NSW had requested permission to carry firearms at high-risk public events, including Chanukah gatherings.

The NSW Government rejected those requests outside authorised places of worship, such as synagogues and schools – though Premier Chris Minns has confirmed looser restrictions are on the table since Sunday’s attack. 

Netanyahu said armed guards had prevented hundreds, if not thousands, of terror attacks in Israel. 

He said even a small armed presence at Bondi could have saved lives. 

‘You cannot fight with your bare hands against someone who comes with a Kalashnikov or automatic rifle, it’s impossible,’ he said.

‘Just imagine, if you had on that beach, on that Chanukah gathering, several armed people, several armed guards, 10, 15, even five, it would have been over.’

Netanyahu said the deaths of a 10-year-old girl, Holocaust survivors and others could have been prevented with proper intelligence action and security planning.

He urged Australian authorities to crack down on radical Islamist cells and restrict pro-Palestinian ‘hate’ marches. 

Ten-year-old Matilda (pictured) was the youngest victim of the Bondi Beach terror attacks

‘For terror, for genocide, for wanton murder, there has to be limits on this and limits on this in the public square,’ he said.

Netanyahu warned terrorism would not stop unless governments actively pursued those responsible.

‘You cannot sit back and let terrorism continue because it will hunt you down,’ he said.

‘You have to hunt the terrorists down and you have to prevent them from carrying out their poison.’

The Islamic State terrorist group has praised the alleged actions of the Bondi Beach shooters, describing the father-and-son as ‘a source of pride’ in its weekly bulletin on Friday morning, the Sydney Morning Herald reported. 

While it stopped short of claiming responsibility for the attack, it suggested the alleged gunmen may have been ‘inspired’ by the group’s teachings. 

‘Today, the Jews are bleeding in the streets of Australia after the zealous ones answered the call and implemented the recommendations to target holidays and gatherings,’ the statement read. 

Daily Mail has contacted Albanese’s office for comment.