Israel and Australia hold security talks regarding terrorism and threats from combative China

Jerusalem/Sydney: – Israel and Australia held a meeting against the background of terrorism and the increasing Chinese threat. Israel expressed concerns that the activities of China, which is preparing to become a superpower, are increasing in the Middle East. Besides, both the countries concurred that Australia’s experience would help Israel understand the Chinese policies. Meanwhile, some Australian officials suggested that Israel could play a vital role in the QUAD cooperation between India, Australia, the United States and Japan.

The meeting, ‘Be’er Sheva Dialogue’, was recently held between Israel and Australia. This seventh edition of the meeting was held virtually due to the Coronavirus threat. However, no details of this meeting, which was held a few weeks ago, have been revealed yet. The analysts from the think tanks, ‘International Institute for Counter-Terrorism’ from Israel and ‘Australian Strategic Policy’ from Australia participated in the meeting. Moreover, Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz and Australia Defence Minister Peter Dutton also presented their views on behalf of their respective countries.

Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz said that the solid strategic cooperation between Israel-Australia is based on democracy and shared interests. Furthermore, he said there is still scope to increase mutual defence-related cooperation. Defence Minister Gantz also thanked Australia for supporting the Abraham treaty being signed with the Arab countries. Australian Defence Minister Peter Dutton also underlined the importance of the Israel-Australia cooperation. Dutton expressed confidence that Australia will be more secure if the Israeli borders are secured.

The officials from Israel and Australia, participating in the meeting, discussed terrorism, cyberattacks, foreign interference in trade, malicious campaigns and militarisation of disputed territories. While discussing China, the Israeli officials expressed concerns over the increasing Chinese investment in the Middle East. Both the countries agreed that Israel would benefit from the Australian experience regarding the Chinese policies. One of the Australian officials suggested that Australia will assist Israel in appointing Ambassadors in the pacific nations.

QUAD was also featured in the meeting. The Australian officials suggested that Israel may become a part of the QUAD cooperation between India, Australia, the United States and Japan. As per the Australian officials, there will be less resistance for Israel’s inclusion in QUAD than AUKUS, between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. Meanwhile, international analysts claim that Australia is creating one more front against China by establishing cooperation with Israel.