There are risks in Australia’s row with Israel, but it’s Netanyahu who is trashing the relationship

The Israeli prime minister has launched a diplomatic broadside against Albanese, adopting a similar playbook to his approach to UK, Canada and France

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When Anthony Albanese announced Australia would formally recognise Palestinian statehood earlier this month, the prime minister let slip he had already discussed the decision with Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu.

A call between the leaders had been expected, but no statement or readout was released after it took place. Speaking alongside the foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, a few days later, Albanese said it had been a civil conversation.