Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar has in an Israeli Foreign Ministry statement, urged Australia to take “significant action” after “a sharp rise in anti-Semitism.”
This came after a fatal shooting incident took place at Australia’s popular Bondi Beach today, Sunday, December 14, 2025, in an attack that police said targeted the country’s Jewish community.
Israeli officials reacted with horror and anger to the incident, with several accusing the Australian government of allowing a surge in antisemitism.
Speaking to his Australian counterpart Penny Wong, Saar expressed sorrow and pain, “on behalf of the people of Israel, over the murderous antisemitic attack in Sydney.”
He told the Australian Foreign Minister that there had been an increase in antisemitism in the country since October 7, citing examples of chants against the Israeli military, the burning of Israeli flags during marches marked by “overt expressions of hatred.”
Saar stressed that security for the Jewish community in Australia “can only be achieved through a true change in public atmosphere.”
Australia, which has seen large-scale protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza, formally recognized the State of Palestine in September alongside several other Western nations, drawing criticism from the Israeli government.
Saar described slogans like “Globalize the Intifada,” “From the River to the Sea,” and calls for violence against the Israel Defense Forces as “illegitimate” and “not part of free speech.”
Linking them directly to the Bondi Beach attack, he warned that they “ultimately lead to the kind of violence witnessed today.”
According to the police, at least 11 people have been killed and 29 injured in the shooting on Australia’s Bondi Beach which targeted the Jewish community. The attack, which took place as hundreds gathered to celebrate the first day of Hanukkah, has been declared a terrorist incident.
The police said that fact the shooting took place on the first day of Hanukkah, as well other circumstances including the types of weapons at the scene and the offenders, led a terrorist incident to be declared a few hours after the attack.
More than 1,000 people were attending a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach when the shooting occurred, police said, adding that the attack was “designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community.”
Police confirmed that there are two known suspects; one is dead while the other is in a life-threatening condition in hospital. Officers have secured and removed explosive devices found in a nearby vehicle.
Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese described the attack as “an act of evil, antisemitism, terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation” and said that “an attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian.”
International Leaders Offer Condolences After Bondi Beach Shooting
Leaders around the world expressed their shock at the deadly shooting at Australia’s Bondi Beach and sent condolences to the families of victims.
New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said that his country and Australia are “family,” writing on a post on X that he is “shocked by the distressing scenes at Bondi” and offering his thoughts to those affected by the attack.
The United Kingdom’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the news of the shooting “deeply distressing.” He wrote on X that his country “sends our thoughts and condolences to everyone affected by the appalling attack.”
French President Emmanuel Macron posted to X that “an antisemitic terrorist attack struck families gathered to celebrate Hanukkah.”
US’ Secretary of State, Marco Rubio said in a post on X that he “strongly condemns” the fatal attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia.
“Antisemitism has no place in this world. Our prayers are with the victims of this horrific attack, the Jewish community, and the people of Australia.”
Marco Rubio
Leaders from countries including Germany, Italy, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Ukraine, Moldova, Serbia, Estonia and Lithuania also sent their condolences.
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