in brief
- Australian Federal Police are investigating an alleged terror incident that they say may have pro-Palestinian motives.
- It is the first time that an investigation has focused on such motives.
An arson attack on a Melbourne defence firm is now being investigated as an act of terrorism, with counter-terror police alleging the offenders had pro-Palestinian motives.
On 5 July, machining manufacturer Lovitt Technologies was attacked in the early hours of the morning by arsonists who set three vehicles alight and graffitied a building.
The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism team (JCTT), spanning Australian Federal Police (AFP), Victoria Police and ASIO, has released images of the alleged vandals, probing whether "far-left activists with anarchist and revolutionary ideologies" orchestrated the incident.
The group is alleged to have targeted the company because of its links with the defence force supply chain, claiming responsibility in an online video and advising on how to carry out similar attacks.
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.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
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."
Drivers in the area with potential dashcam footage and others with knowledge of the offenders have been urged to come forward by authorities.
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.
For the latest from SBS News, download our app and subscribe to our newsletter.
