A Melbourne defense firm has become the focus of a terrorism investigation after an arson attack believed to be motivated by pro-Palestinian sentiments. Counter-terror police are delving into the perpetrators’ motives.
In the early hours of July 5, Lovitt Technologies, a machining manufacturer, was targeted by arsonists who set three vehicles ablaze and defaced a building with graffiti.
The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism team (JCTT), which includes Australian Federal Police (AFP), Victoria Police, and ASIO, has shared images of the alleged criminals. They are investigating whether the attack was carried out by “far-left activists with anarchist and revolutionary ideologies.”
The group reportedly targeted the company due to its connections with the defense force supply chain. They claimed responsibility in an online video where they also provided guidance for executing similar attacks.
The JCTT explained that the suspects “outlined a number of grievances in support of Palestine,” alleging that they aimed at Lovitt Technologies because of its perceived role in the broader Australian Defence Force supply network.
Images released by the AFP show a suspect wearing all black clothing, standing in front of a Palestinian flag. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags are also displayed in the foreground.
In 2023, Lovitt secured a $1.5 million grant to continue work on the global Joint Strike Fighter program — a US-led F35 fighter jet construction program of which Israel is a key recipient.
The JCCT has confirmed to SBS News that the terror investigation, known as Operation Braehead, is the first to specifically target pro-Palestinian activism in Australia since the October 7 attacks. The charges carry a life sentence as a maximum penalty.
“We cannot overstate the seriousness of this criminality and the AFP, together with our partners, will not tolerate acts of terror motivated by extremist ideologies aiming to cause fear and anguish in our community,” AFP detective superintendent Anthony Hall said in a statement.
“At any time, we could be knocking on the door of the accused group. We know this is making some in the group anxious — and it should, because we are determined to bring them before the courts.”
Victoria Police detective acting superintendent Anthony Wheatfill said companies and employees “have the right to go about their daily business safely and securely.”
“That anyone would use such violent and dangerous methods to express a political or social viewpoint is unacceptable.”
Authorities have urged drivers in the area with potential dashcam footage and others with knowledge of the offenders to come forward.
In June, ASIO director-general Mike Burgess singled out arson and vandalism attacks on firms believed to be linked to Israel.
“I recognise that criticism of the government of Israel is not of itself antisemitic, but some of the threatening statements made by the perpetrators go well beyond political protest or commentary,” he said at the organisation’s annual threat assessment.
Defence Minister Richard Marles has repeatedly denied claims Australia is exporting weapons to Israel, describing the supply of F35 components as a “separate issue” comprising supply chains organised by US weapons manufacturer Lockheed Martin, the Joint Strike Fighter’s prime contractor.
The Victorian JCTT is also probing the 2024 antisemitic attack on the Adass Synagogue, with a third man charged in June.