On Tuesday, August 26, the Australian government announced the expulsion of the Iranian ambassador to Australia. Simultaneously, they condemned at least two anti-Semitic arson attacks orchestrated by the Iranian regime in Australia.
In October 2023, the terrorist organization Hamas launched attacks on Israel, triggering the Israel-Hamas conflict. Since then, residences, schools, Jewish synagogues, and vehicles in Australia have become targets of anti-Semitic vandalism, looting, and arson.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated on Tuesday that based on reliable intelligence collected by the Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO), Iran had planned at least two attack incidents in Australia.
During a press briefing, Albanese mentioned, “This is a shocking and dangerous act of aggression meticulously planned by a foreign regime on Australian soil. They seek to disrupt social cohesion and sow seeds of hatred and division in our society.”
Albanese revealed that Iran had attempted to cover up its involvement in the arson attacks on a Jewish restaurant in Sydney and a synagogue in Melbourne. Fortunately, there were no reports of casualties in these attacks.
Albanese pointed out that Australian security agencies believe Iran is likely behind more planned attacks. He added that Australia has suspended the operations of the Iranian embassy in Canberra, and all its diplomats will be expelled.
Albanese announced that the Australian government would designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated that the Iranian Ambassador to Australia, Ahmad Sadeghi, and three Iranian diplomats will leave Australia within seven days, marking the first expulsion of a foreign ambassador since World War II.
Wong emphasized, “Iran’s actions are entirely unacceptable.”
Director-General of Australian Security Intelligence Organizations Mike Burgess stated that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps was directing criminal activities in Australia.
He added, “They (the Iranian regime) are merely using puppets, including criminals and members of organized crime groups, to carry out their missions or provide specific commands.”
The Israeli Embassy in Australia welcomed Australia’s diplomatic actions against Iran.
The Israeli Embassy posted on social media, “The Iranian regime poses a threat not only to Jews or Israel but also endangers the entire free world, including Australia.”
Following an airstrike on Iranian nuclear facilities in June by Israel, the two countries engaged in a twelve-day conflict.
Daniel Aghian, Chairman of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ), consisting of over two hundred organizations, stated on Tuesday, “This is Iran’s attack on Australian sovereignty.”
He remarked, “These attacks deliberately target Jews in Australia, destroying a sacred place of worship, resulting in millions of dollars in losses, and intimidating our community.”
There are approximately 90,000 Iranian-born expatriates in Australia.
Two men accused of setting fire to a Jewish synagogue last December have been indicted. The synagogue, built in the 1960s by a survivor of the Holocaust in Rippon Lea, a Melbourne suburb, was destroyed by the arson attack.
Last week, authorities in southeastern Victoria stated that they were examining electronic devices seized during a search of one of the men’s homes and that the man would appear in court for trial on Wednesday.
Police indicated that three individuals were suspected of breaking into the synagogue and setting it on fire.
In October last year, a fire destroyed “Lewis’ Continental Kitchen,” a Jewish restaurant in Bondi, Sydney.
In January this year, a man was arrested in connection with the arson attack. Reports suggest that the man had ties to a well-known motorcycle gang in Australia. However, he denied the charges in court and was granted bail.
(This article referenced reporting from Reuters)