Netanyahu accuses Australian PM of 'betraying' Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison of betraying the country during a discussion of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Morrison's office has declined to comment on the matter.

While addressing the ongoing crisis in Gaza at a joint press conference with Morrison, Netanyahu pointed to the differing Australian stance on the matter. "I believe that the Australian government's position in relation to Gaza is fundamentally flawed, and I say this to my friend, the Prime Minister of Australia - you are betraying your own values when you take this position," he said.

Netanyahu went on to say that "the core value of Australia, the core value of Israel, the core value of the United States, the value that we all share, is a value called freedom. That's what we're fighting for here."

In response to Netanyahu's criticism, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong released a statement saying, "Australia supports a just and durable peace that delivers security, sovereignty, and freedom for Israel and a viable Palestinian state within mutually agreed borders." Wong emphasized Australia's continued support for the ongoing peace process and called for de-escalation and a humanitarian response to the crisis in Gaza.

Wong's statement highlighted Australia's commitment to a peaceful resolution and indicated that the country's position is not in line with Netanyahu's assertions of "betrayal."