Penny Wong butts heads with Israeli Foreign Minister in fiery call

Penny Wong has clashed with her Israeli counterpart in a fiery phone call overnight, amid severe friction between the Albanese and Netanyahu governments.

What started as a constructive conversation to find a way to improve the bilateral relationship quickly turned sour, with Israel’s Gideon Sa’ar accusing the Albanese government of abandoning its Middle East ally, according to the Israel Hayom

An Australian government source has confirmed to NewsWire a “tense exchange” took place, however a spokesperson for Senator Wong said it was a “direct but respectful call” that allowed both parties to explain their perspective.

It’s understood both ministers exchanged cordial messages and agreed to stay in touch following the call.

According to the Israeli news outlet, Mr Sa’ar expressed the Israeli government’s ire over Australia’s “weakened” support for the country,

“Australia chose to distance itself from Israel in its hardest year, fighting against the fiercest enemies,” he said.

He rejected Senator Wong’s grouping of Israel with Russia and China in a call for countries to follow international law.

“Israel is a Western democratic country that upholds the rule of law, has an independent judiciary and adheres to international law,” Mr Sa’ar said.

“Over the past year, Israel has fought against the radical axis led by Iran, supported by Russia and China.”

He also took issue with Australia’s decision to deny a visa to former Israeli justice minister Ayelet Shaked.

“How would you react if we treated a former minister from Australia this way?” he said.

The call came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the Albanese government of taking an “extreme anti-Israeli position”, claiming it was partly responsible for the firebombing of a Melbourne synagogue in Melbourne.

The Albanese government has repeatedly advocated for a two-state solution, calling on Hamas to release the Israeli hostages.

They have also called for Israel to cease its attacks in Gaza and other Occupied Palestinian Territories.

A spokesperson for Senator Wong said the minister reiterated Australia’s concern over the “humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza,” and maintained the need for humanitarian assistance and the release of all hostages.

“Minister Wong also noted that Australia’s position reflected that of many other countries,” they said.

“She conveyed Australia’s commitment to countering anti-Semitism and hate in all forms.”