Australia Blocks Iran Action After Netanyahu’s Alleged Intervention

Australia has firmly rejected claims that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s intervention influenced Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government to expel Iran’s ambassador from Canberra. The controversy arose after Albanese accused Tehran of directing anti-Semitic attacks against Australia’s Jewish community in Sydney and Melbourne.

On Wednesday, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke told ABC Radio that Israel’s claim of having pressured Australia into expelling Iran’s ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi was “complete nonsense.” Albanese had earlier stated that Australia reached “a deeply disturbing conclusion” based on “credible intelligence” that Iran’s government had orchestrated at least two anti-Semitic attacks within Australia.

Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer responded to the allegations, praising Australia for taking threats to Jewish communities seriously. He added, however, that the actions came after a “forthright intervention” by Netanyahu, who had publicly criticised Albanese. According to Mencer, Netanyahu had made strong comments about the Australian leader, believing Canberra had not gone far enough to counter anti-Semitism. The ABC later reported Mencer’s statements under the headline: “Israeli government claims credit for pushing Albanese to expel Iranian diplomats.”

The dispute comes amid heightened tensions between Israel and Australia. Only days before, Albanese announced that Australia would formally recognise a Palestinian state in September, drawing sharp criticism from Netanyahu. The Israeli leader branded Albanese “a weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia’s Jews.”

Iran, for its part, has strongly denied any involvement in the alleged attacks. The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed Australia’s accusations as politically motivated and accused Canberra of trying to appease Israel after making “limited criticism” of its policies. Iranian spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei warned that any “unjustified action on a diplomatic level” would provoke a reciprocal response from Tehran.

Meanwhile, Ilana Lenk, spokesperson for Israel’s embassy in Canberra, amplified concerns by posting front pages of Australian newspapers on social media with headlines such as “Iran attacks us” and “Iran targets Bondi deli.” She warned that Iran’s threat extended beyond Israel and the Jewish people, arguing that “the West is next” and suggesting Australia was now directly targeted.

The Jewish Council of Australia also reacted, issuing a statement expressing shock at the alleged Iranian role in coordinating anti-Semitic violence. However, the council cautioned against politicising the incidents. It argued that if a foreign government was indeed responsible, it was dangerous and irresponsible for domestic actors to use the attacks as a way to demonise Palestine solidarity protests. The council called on political leaders and the media to act responsibly and avoid narratives that could further harm Australia’s Jewish community.

Overall, the situation highlights a complex intersection of domestic security concerns, foreign relations, and international politics. Australia’s intelligence assessments and diplomatic actions have led to heightened friction with Iran, while also drawing Israel deeper into the debate. At the same time, Albanese’s move to recognise Palestinian statehood has added another layer of tension with Israel. While Australia continues to stress that its decisions are based on intelligence and national security interests, accusations from Israel, denials from Iran, and community reactions at home underscore the fragile balance Canberra must maintain in handling Middle East politics within its own borders.