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Key Points
- An ADF officer has been labelled a risk to security by ASIO due to undisclosed ties to Israel.
- The officer made trips to Israel and attended firearms and tactical training funded by the Israeli government.
- A tribunal has removed the officer’s security clearance, a decision the officer appealed.
The officer, who has served in the Australian military for 19 years, “stated he doesn’t view Israel as a foreign government”, and “stated on two occasions that he would provide classified or sensitive information to Israel if they asked for it,” the tribunal report said.
“It may also adversely impact on his future employment prospects as a prospective employee or contractor within the Commonwealth and various Australian state governments.”
Officer at risk of exploitation
In 2016 and 2019, HWMW travelled to Israel to attend CSG training courses, organised by Ami-Ad, an association that promotes volunteerism within Jewish communities, and were funded by the Israeli government.
The tribunal also held concerns the officer could be recruited by Mossad, Israel’s foreign intelligence agency.
Army officer appealed the decision
“I don’t comment on national security issues. I don’t comment on national security issues in press conferences,” he said on Monday.
