How Australia's relationship with Israel fell apart

Australia’s relationship with Israel is at its lowest point in decades. Anthony Albanese has brushed off Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s comments calling him “weak”, saying he doesn’t take it personally. “I treat leaders of other countries with respect and I engage with them in a diplomatic way,” Mr Albanese told reporters in Adelaide. “I contacted Prime Minister Netanyahu and (spoke) with him over the phone. We had a long discussion prior to the cabinet meeting which was held last Monday morning. At that time I gave Prime Minister Netanyahu a clear indication of my view and Australia’s view going forward but also a clear indication of the direction in which we were headed.” The Israeli government saying the decision to formally recognise Palestine rewarded Hamas – the Palestinian Islamist group that runs Gaza. But while Mr Albanese’s decision to recognise Palestinian statehood ramped up tensions, the government’s cancelling the visa of a far‑right Israeli MP, Simcha Rothman, pushed Mr Netanyahu to strike out. So what happens next? Here’s a look at how the Australia‑Israel relationship turned sour, and where we go from here.