Australia Takes a Stand: Expels Iranian Ambassador Amid Claims of Organized Antisemitic Attacks

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has accused Iran of orchestrating two antisemitic attacks in Australia. To address this, he announced a break in diplomatic ties with Tehran.

Australian intelligence has revealed that Iran directed attacks on the Lewis Continental Kitchen, a kosher restaurant in Sydney last October, and the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne in December. Albanese stated, “These were extraordinary acts of aggression by a foreign nation on Australian soil.”

Since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict in 2023, reports of antisemitic incidents have surged in cities like Sydney and Melbourne. Authorities believe outside actors may be funding local criminals to carry out these attacks. In fact, at least one individual has been arrested in connection with the Sydney fire, while two suspects have been charged in the Melbourne synagogue case.

Albanese emphasized the seriousness of Iran’s involvement, noting that it had attempted to conceal its role. He insisted that the situation was unacceptable and posed a threat to community harmony.

Following his announcement, the Australian government expelled Iran’s Ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi and relocated Australian diplomats in Iran to a third country. An advisory was issued to Australians in Iran, urging them to leave if it was safe, citing high risks of arbitrary detention.

Australia also plans to declare Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization. The Guard has a troubled history and has been accused of orchestrating attacks overseas, although it denies these claims. This move has been welcomed by the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, which pointed out that these attacks targeted Jewish Australians and caused significant damage.

Recent data indicates an alarming trend—antisemitic incidents have risen sharply in Australia since the Israel-Hamas conflict escalated. The Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO) reported that Iran played a pivotal role in this uptick in violence. Mike Burgess, ASIO’s director-general, mentioned that the escalation began last October and has since more directly targeted individuals and places of worship.

The recent diplomatic tensions follow Albanese’s earlier recognition of a Palestinian state, which sparked backlash from Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. This situation adds another layer to the continuing conflicts in the region.

With longstanding issues surrounding Iran, Australia faces a complicated path forward in managing its foreign relations while ensuring the safety of its citizens. These developments show the critical intersection of international diplomacy and local security issues today.



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