At least 16 people have died and 40 have been injured as a result of a shooting at Sydney's famous Bondi Beach on the 14th. At the time of the incident, the local Jewish festival of Hanukkah was being celebrated. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that this incident fuels anti-Semitism. In a televised address, he said: "Anti-Semitism is a cancer. When world leaders remain silent and do nothing, it spreads."
Netanyahu criticized the Australian government for its inaction regarding local anti-Semitism, which he said led to the incident.
Netanyahu said: "Even today, they are still trying to murder Jews. Today, they succeeded in killing Jews; they slaughtered Jews in Sydney, Australia. Four months ago, I wrote to the Australian Prime Minister. I pointed out to him that your policies are rewarding terrorism, rewarding anti-Semitism. Your call for the establishment of a Palestinian state is in effect a reward for the massacre that Hamas committed on October 7th."
U.S. President Trump responded by describing the Bondi Beach shooting as clearly an anti-Semitic act. He also praised the bravery of the man who stood up to confront the shooter, saying he greatly respected him.
German Chancellor Merz expressed shock at the incident via social media, describing it as an attack on shared values.
King Charles III, the head of state of Australia, said that he and Queen Camilla were deeply shocked and saddened by the event. He added that both the police and the public responded quickly, preventing the situation from worsening further.
New Zealand Prime Minister Luxon said: "The relationship between Australia and New Zealand is closer than friends; we are like family. The tragedy at Bondi has deeply shocked me, as it's a place New Zealanders visit every day. My thoughts, and those of all New Zealanders, are with those affected."