Prime Minister Tony Abbott has praised Lateline host Emma Alberici for her “feisty” interview with Hizb ut-Tahrir spokesman Wassim Doureihi.

During a heated interview on Wednesday night’s program, the ABC host became frustrated after Mr Dourehi refused to directly answer questions, such as: “Do you support the campaign being waged by Islamic State fighters in Iraq?”

The interview quickly descended into an argument between the pair, with Mr Doureihi accusing the Lateline host of baiting for particular answers.

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Prime Minister Tony Abbott praised Alberici on 3AW for her ‘feisty’ interview, saying she stood up for her country.

“Good on Emma Alberici. I think she spoke for our country last night,” Mr Abbott said.

The interview turned sour when Doureihi accused Alberici of asking “disconcerting” questions, including whether or not he supported the tactics of Islamic State fighters.

“If you wanted a one-way discussion, you would not – you did not – you did not necessarily have to invite me,” Mr Doureihi said after Alberici interrupted him mid-response.

“You’re asking the question, baiting for a particular response,” he said.

Mr Doureihi accused Alberici of trying to reinforce an “Islamphobic narrative that justifies the wholesale slaughter of entire populations” when she tried to steer the interview toward Hizb ut-Tahrir’s stance on Islamic State fighter tactics.