Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Western governments to take immediate, concrete action to counter rising antisemitism and to ensure the safety of Jewish communities worldwide. His appeal, translated into English by his office, followed a deadly attack in Australia that leaders said targeted the Jewish community on the first day of Hanukkah. At a White House Hanukkah reception the same day, President Donald Trump criticized members of Congress, saying "Congress is becoming antisemitic" and naming progressive lawmakers. Netanyahu and other officials called for enhanced security, intelligence-sharing, and international cooperation to prevent further attacks.
Netanyahu Urges Western Governments To Act Now Against Antisemitism After Australia Attack: "Heed Our Warnings"
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is welcomed to the Pentagon with an official ceremony on July 9, 2025.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on Western governments to take immediate and concrete steps to combat rising antisemitism and to guarantee the protection of Jewish communities worldwide. The appeal, issued in a video Netanyahu delivered in Hebrew and translated into English by his office, came in the wake of a violent attack in Australia that Israeli and international leaders described as targeting Jews on the first day of Hanukkah.
Netanyahu's Call
Netanyahu said,
"I demand that Western governments do what is necessary to fight antisemitism and provide the required safety and security for Jewish communities worldwide."He added,
"They would be well-advised to heed our warnings. I demand action from them — now."His office released an English translation of the remarks after posting the original Hebrew video.
President Donald Trump greets Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he arrives at the West Wing of the White House on Sept. 29, 2025.
Context: Attack in Australia
The prime minister's appeal followed a deadly Sunday terror attack in Australia. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the assault was "deliberately targeted at the Jewish community on the first day of Hanukkah," underscoring concerns about violent antisemitic incidents and the need for enhanced security measures for minority communities.
Comments at U.S. Hanukkah Reception
Separately, at a White House Hanukkah reception the same day, President Donald Trump said, "Congress is becoming antisemitic," while criticizing several progressive lawmakers. He referenced Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and other members of the so-called progressive "Squad," and later singled out Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) with the remark, "She hates Jewish people." These comments drew attention amid broader debates about antisemitism, free speech and political rhetoric.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu participates in a joint press conference with President Donald Trump in the State Dining Room of the White House on Sept. 29, 2025.
What Leaders Are Asking For
Netanyahu's demand highlights calls for: strengthened security at Jewish institutions, coordinated government responses to extremist violence, and international cooperation to monitor and counteract antisemitic threats. Advocates and officials say practical steps could include funding for community protection, better intelligence-sharing, and clear public condemnations of antisemitic acts.
Note: Reporting reflects statements released by public officials and their offices. The article summarizes their remarks and the context surrounding the Australian attack and related political comments.
