Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Australian leader Anthony Albanese of betraying Israel and abandoning Australia’s Jewish community after Canberra recognised a Palestinian state, according to BBC.

Netanyahu branded Albanese “a weak politician,” while Australian ministers dismissed the remarks as lashing out. Immigration Minister Tony Burke said, “Strength is not measured by how many people you can blow up or leave hungry.”

The dispute deepened after Australia cancelled the visa of far-right Israeli lawmaker Simcha Rothman, prompting Israel to restrict visas for Australian officials.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid criticised Netanyahu’s outburst, warning it only strengthened Albanese politically.

Albanese defended his stance, accusing Netanyahu of being in denial over the humanitarian toll of the Gaza war, BBC reported.