Sharren Haskel, Israel's deputy foreign minister and a former Bondi veterinary nurse, has become a frequent critic of the Australian government, particularly Labor, since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks. Her commentary, amplified by senior adviser and former Victorian Liberal Tim Smith, has targeted Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong over antisemitism and Palestinian statehood.
Haskel, who lived in Australia for eight years, has used social media and media appearances to criticise Labor's response to antisemitic incidents. She shared images of neo-Nazis in Victoria, posted about attacks on Jewish facilities in Sydney, and toured bomb-damaged sites in Israel with News Corp journalists. She has also repeated contested claims about chants at a Sydney Opera House protest, despite police contradicting her account.
Her focus on Australia is partly attributed to adviser Tim Smith, a former Victorian Liberal who resigned after a drink-driving incident. Smith, now based in London, previously worked for GB News. Haskel has also clashed with the government over a visa refusal for far-right Knesset member Simcha Rothman and criticised Australia's recognition of Palestinian statehood.
Observers note that Haskel's criticisms align with those of Netanyahu, who recently accused Albanese of fuelling antisemitism. The deterioration in relations follows Labor's refusal of Rothman's visa, which Haskel called a blow to democratic exchange.
