In the aftermath of a tragic shooting in Sydney, Australian authorities are facing sharp criticism from Israeli officials. They accuse the Australian government of disregarding “countless warning signs” related to rising antisemitism, which they believe contributed to the deadly incident.

Issuing strong and rare public statements, Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar expressed their dismay following the Sunday event that claimed at least 11 lives and left 29 individuals hospitalized. Their comments reflect deep concerns about the safety of Jewish communities worldwide.

President Herzog took to social media, sharing his sentiments alongside a poignant image of a blood-stained prayer shawl. “We repeatedly urged the Australian government to address and combat the significant wave of antisemitism affecting their society,” he remarked, underscoring the urgency of the issue.

Foreign Minister Saar’s critique was even more pointed, accusing Australian authorities of turning a blind eye to the unmistakable signs of growing Islamist extremism and antisemitism. His remarks suggest a need for a more proactive stance in safeguarding communities from hate-driven violence.

The call for action follows the harrowing scene at Bondi Beach, where emergency workers were photographed transporting casualties on stretchers. This tragic event has sparked a broader conversation about the measures necessary to prevent such violence in the future.

“I am appalled by the murderous shooting attack at a Hanukkah event in Sydney, Australia. This is the result of the antisemitic rampage in the streets of Australia over the past two years, including the antisemitic and inciting calls of ‘Globalize the Intifada,’ which were realized today,” Saar said in a statement, sharing the same photo as Herzog.

“The Australian government, which received countless warning signs, must come to its senses!” he added.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned the shooting in Sydney, Australia on Sunday. (Reuters/Moses Mwape)

Police say at least two gunmen participated in Sunday’s attack, which targeted a Jewish “Chanukah By The Sea” event at Sydney’s famous Bondi Beach. One of the alleged gunmen was killed in the attack, and the other is hospitalized. Police are investigating whether there may have been a third shooter.

Police say they also found evidence of multiple improvised explosive devices in a vehicle near the scene of the attack.

A health worker moves a stretcher after a shooting incident at Bondi Beach in Sydney on December 14, 2025. Australian police said two people were in custody following reports of multiple gunshots on December 14 at Sydney’s famed Bondi Beach, urging the public to take shelter. (Saeed Khan/AFP via Getty Images)

“We have our rescue bomb disposal unit there at the moment working on that,” said the police commissioner for New South Wales.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned Sunday’s attack and the targeting of Jewish Australians.