Leaders around the world expressed their horror at Sunday’s terrorist attack on Bondi beach, in which at least 16 people died, mixed in some cases with harsh words for the Australian government for alleged shortcomings in tackling antisemitism over the past two years.

The Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said he had written to his Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese, in August, warning that the government’s decision to recognise a Palestinian state “pours fuel on the antisemitic fire … emboldens those who menace Australian Jews and encourages the Jew hatred now stalking your streets”. He claimed Albanese had “replaced weakness with weakness and appeasement with more appeasement”.

“Your government did nothing to stop the spread of antisemitism in Australia. You did nothing to curb the cancer cells that were growing inside your country. You took no action. You let the disease spread and the result is the horrific attacks on Jews we saw today.”

Albanese declined to respond directly when asked about Netanyahu’s comments at a media conference on Monday morning.

“This is a moment for national unity,” Albanese said in response. “This is a moment for Australians to come together. That’s precisely what we’ll be doing.”

Netanyahu praised the actions of a bystander who wrestled the gun from one of the attackers, saying he saluted “a Muslim brave man” who prevented the death of “innocent Jews” (the man’s religion was unconfirmed as of Monday morning).

“But we are worrying right now about our people, our safety, and we do not remain silent,” Netanyahu said. “We fight those who try to annihilate us.”

The Israeli president, Isaac Herzog, said in a video message posted online that “vile terrorists deliberately targeted innocent Jewish families celebrating the first night of Hanukah”.

“The people of Israel stand together with all of you in this very dark and difficult moment … the Jewish people are strong, resilient and united, and our message is clear: the Hanukah lights must go on and will be lit all over the world, especially in Bondi beach, in Sydney and all over Australia.”

The US president, Donald Trump, said it was “a terrible attack” and “an antisemitic attack, obviously”. He said he wanted to pay his respects “to everybody”.

The secretary of state, Marco Rubio, said the US strongly condemned the attack. “Anti-Semitism has no place in this world. Our prayers are with the victims of this horrific attack, the Jewish community, and the people of Australia.”

The UK prime minister, Keir Starmer, said the news was “deeply distressing”. “The United Kingdom sends our thoughts and condolences to everyone affected by the appalling ‍attack in Bondi beach.”

King Charles said he and Camilla were “appalled and saddened by the most dreadful anti-Semitic terrorist attack”. “Our hearts go out to everyone who has been affected so dreadfully, including the police officers who were injured while protecting members of their community … In times of hurt, Australians always rally together in unity and resolve. I know that the spirit of community and love that shines so brightly in Australia – and the light at the heart of the Chanukah festival – will always triumph over the darkness of such evil.”

The New Zealand prime minister, Christopher Luxon, said he was shocked by the distressing scenes at Bondi, “a place that Kiwis visit every day”.

“My thoughts, and the thoughts of all New Zealanders, are with those affected,” he said. “Australia and New Zealand are closer than friends, we’re family.”

The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, said: “Ukraine stands in solidarity with Australia in the face of the brutal terrorist attack … which targeted the Jewish community at the start of Hanukkah … Terror and hatred must never prevail – they must be defeated everywhere and every time.”

The United Nations secretary general, António Guterres, wrote on X: “I am horrified and condemn today’s heinous deadly attack on Jewish families gathered in Sydney to celebrate Hannukah.

“My heart is with the Jewish community worldwide on this first day of Hannukah, a festival celebrating the miracle of peace and light vanquishing darkness.”