Israel's ambassador to Australia has signalled hope for improved bilateral relations on the eve of the third anniversary of the October 7 attack, even as tensions between the two governments remain elevated over Israel's military response in Gaza and treatment of Palestinians.
Hillel Newman acknowledged that ties have become strained but expressed confidence that both nations could return to their historical partnership. Speaking to a national news outlet ahead of commemorations scheduled for Wednesday, Newman stated:
"We have challenges, but I have come with a lot of goodwill in order to try and make a positive change in the relationship, perhaps even reset the relationship and return both sides to the initial historical traditional friendship."
The ambassador added:
"There have been issues between our two countries. We can have differences of opinion, but we should not allow differences of opinion to overshadow and overcrowd the overall relationship. We can understand if Australia has criticism of this issue or another."
What has caused the diplomatic rift?
Relations between Canberra and Jerusalem have deteriorated significantly since the October 2023 Hamas attack that killed approximately 1,200 Israelis and resulted in 250 people being taken hostage. Australia's federal Labor government has adopted an increasingly critical stance toward Israeli military operations and settlement policies.
The Israeli foreign ministry has publicly criticised Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong on social media in recent weeks, denouncing her comments to the United Nations about settler violence in the West Bank as a "blatant lie". The ministry also objected to earlier statements Wong made condemning settler violence and a controversial death penalty law.
Australia has joined other nations in imposing targeted sanctions against Israeli politicians Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, accusing them of inciting violence against Palestinians. The government has also moved to restrict goods from illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank, working alongside the United Kingdom and other international partners on these measures.
How has the death of an Australian aid worker affected relations?
Diplomatic tensions intensified sharply following the killing of Australian humanitarian worker Zomi Frankcom in April 2024. Frankcom died when an Israeli drone struck a humanitarian convoy she was part of, and relations deteriorated further when the Israel Defense Forces announced in August that they would not pursue criminal proceedings over her death.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Wong both condemned the military's decision. Wong stated in a formal response:
"The Australian government will not stop pressing Israel for justice for Zomi and her colleagues. We continue to engage closely with the Frankcom family on further action."
When pressed on Israel's refusal to release audio recordings from the strike, Newman characterised it as a matter for the Israeli military but stressed that his country remained open to discussing potential reparations for Frankcom's family and supported continued dialogue on the matter.
What do Palestinian community leaders want from Australia?
Leaders of Australia's Palestinian diaspora have called on the federal government to provide greater support to communities affected by the three-year conflict. Nasser Mashni, president of the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network, described the impact as being felt simultaneously in Gaza and within Australia's Palestinian population.
Mashni said:
"In Australia, the impact is a quieter but a relentless erosion of our place in this country. Underpinning every discussion that happens about 'us', but without 'us', is a nagging suggestion that we don't belong, that we must prove we are Australian, and even human. This is the domestic footprint of genocide: protesting a demand for its end, and stopping Australia's complicity in it, is more controversial than supporting it."
Wong acknowledged the broader humanitarian toll, stating:
"7 October is a day of profound grief and remembrance. We mourn those who were killed in the Hamas terrorist attacks, including Australian Galit Carbone, and all those who have suffered from antisemitic violence around the world."
What is Australia's military relationship with Israel?
Despite diplomatic tensions, Australia has continued to supply military components to Israel. According to a September 2026 report citing Senate estimates, at least 68 deliveries of F-35 aircraft parts from Australia to Israel occurred between October 2023 and September 2025, continuing throughout the period of heightened political friction.
The government has indicated it is pursuing further targeted measures in coordination with international partners to deter illegal settlements and settler violence, though it has not implemented a blanket-style import ban on goods from Israeli settlements.
How has Australia's Palestine recognition affected the relationship?
Australia formally recognised a State of Palestine on September 21, 2025, marking a significant diplomatic shift. According to analysis of the recognition, the move was tied to Palestinian Authority commitments including recognition of Israel's right to exist in peace and security. However, the recognition has not resolved underlying tensions over military operations and settlement expansion.
What are political leaders saying ahead of the anniversary?
Greens leader David Shoebridge said Australians would reflect on the devastating toll of violence on all sides. He stated:
"The attacks on October 7 were condemned by the Greens at the time, as our party has a deep belief in peace and non-violence. It is that same core value that means we condemn the ongoing genocide in Gaza and ethnic cleansing in the West Bank."
Shadow Defence Minister James Paterson characterised the October 7 attack as having changed Australia in "terrible ways" and linked it to subsequent domestic violence. He said:
"Fixing this societal cancer will take years of sustained effort from the entire community, from the prime minister down."
Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, acknowledged difficult times ahead but expressed confidence in community resilience. He said:
"But if the jihadists thought mass terror at home and abroad would bring about some global capitulation by Israel and Jewish communities or that the majority of Australians would turn on their Jewish friends and neighbours, they have failed dismally."
What commemorations and protests are planned for October 7?
Jewish groups have organised a dawn commemoration scheduled for 6:29am, marking the precise time the Hamas attack began. Simultaneously, pro-Palestinian vigils are being held in Sydney and Wollongong, organised by Jews Against the Occupation 48 and Wollongong Friends of Palestine.
NSW Premier Chris Minns has urged Labor MPs to stay away from the pro-Palestinian vigils while acknowledging he cannot legally prevent the events from proceeding. The competing commemorations reflect the deep divisions within Australian society over the conflict.
How does the Bondi massacre context affect this anniversary?
The October 7 anniversary comes against a backdrop of rising antisemitic violence in Australia. The nation is preparing to mark the first anniversary of the Bondi massacre on December 14, in which fifteen people were killed by a father-son duo who opened fire on a Hanukkah celebration. A royal commission sparked by the attack is due to release its final report on December 18, which may provide recommendations for addressing community safety and social cohesion.
What happens next?
The Sydney and Wollongong vigils are scheduled to take place on Wednesday, October 7, 2026. Australia has indicated it will pursue further targeted measures in coordination with international partners to deter illegal settlements and settler violence, though the specific timing and nature of these measures remain under discussion with allied governments.
