Aussie PM under fire for plans to move embassy in Israel

Australia’s spy agency warned ministers proposed shift in Middle East policy to relocate the embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem may “provoke protest, unrest and possibly some violence in Gaza and the West Bank”. “We expect any announcement on the possible relocation of the Australian embassy to Jerusalem or consideration of voting against Palestinians in the United Nations may provoke protest, unrest and possibly some violence in Gaza and the West Bank,” the bulletin says. It warns it is possible Australian interests could be the target of protest activity following any public announcement by the government, and notes “attacks and violent protests” have occurred at times of heightened political tension. It notes that Australian diplomatic facilities in Iran could also be the focus of protest activity if the Morrison government withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal – which was another of the options the prime minister floated this week. The bulletin also highlights the possibility of protests within Australia, although it says domestic protests are unlikely to be violent. It says Asio is not aware of specific threats to Jewish interests in Australia, although it says Israeli and Jewish interests remain “an enduring target of extremists globally”.