Overview
- Israeli Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli wrote to Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke offering to host and train senior Australian police and security personnel in Israel.
- Chikli argued that avoiding explicit identification of radical Islam undermines efforts to combat terrorism and antisemitism, criticizing Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong.
- A spokesman for Burke said the government is acting through recent legislation on hate speech, hate crimes and hate symbols, without indicating whether Israel’s training offer will be taken up.
- The Dec. 14 shooting at a Chabad Hanukkah event in Bondi Beach killed 15 people and injured more than 40, with authorities citing Islamic State inspiration and antisemitic targeting.
- Business and religious leaders, along with major industry groups, called for a federal royal commission to examine the attack and Australia’s preparedness.