Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called on Australia to join Israel in what he described as a shared global fight against terrorism, following the December 15, 2025, mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Sydney’s Bondi Beach.

In a video statement released after the attack, Netanyahu urged closer cooperation between the two countries and framed the incident as part of a broader struggle against extremist violence.

“Join us, Australia, in fighting the terrorists and fighting the enemies of civilization and fighting the barbarians,” Netanyahu said. “If we join forces together, I have no doubt we shall win.”

Australian authorities have identified the Bondi Beach shooting as a terrorist attack carried out by ISIS-linked gunmen. The assault killed 12 people during a public Hanukkah gathering, making it one of Australia’s deadliest mass shootings in decades and prompting heightened security measures at Jewish sites nationwide.

Netanyahu’s remarks reflect his long-standing position that Western democracies face a common threat from Islamist extremist organizations and must respond through coordinated intelligence, security, and counterterrorism efforts. Israeli officials have frequently cited Israel’s security model—emphasizing intelligence sharing, rapid response, and armed protection of public venues—as a template for allies confronting similar threats.

The attack has intensified global concern over rising antisemitic violence. According to data from the Global Terrorism Database, anti-Jewish terrorist incidents worldwide have increased by approximately 30 percent since October 2023, amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and heightened extremist activity.

In Australia, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has focused on domestic policy responses, including expanded firearm buyback measures and increased federal funding for security at religious and community events. While Albanese has condemned the attack as an act of terrorism, his government has not endorsed proposals for widespread armed civilian security.

The Bondi Beach shooting has fueled international debate over how democracies should balance gun control, public security, and counterterrorism cooperation as extremist threats increasingly target civilian gatherings.