Full Breakdown
Israel-Australia Relations: Ambassador Hillel Newman’s Push for Economic and Community Ties Ahead of the November Summit
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event – Summit and Diplomatic Outreach
Israeli Ambassador Hillel Newman, who presented his credentials in February 2026, is using the Jerusalem Post Australia Summit on November 19 to promote deeper bilateral cooperation. The summit will convene senior business leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers and security experts from both nations to explore joint opportunities in technology, defense, agritech, health-tech and other sectors.
Background & Context – Recent Strains and Historical Ties
Relations between Israel and Australia have long been described as “natural, excellent,” with historic links dating to the ANZAC campaign. After the Hamas attacks of October 2023 and Australia’s unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state, diplomatic ties cooled. Newman notes that Australia initially stood with Israel and the United States, providing verbal and strategic support.
Data & Statistics – Economic Footprint and Antisemitism Incidents
- More than 150 Israeli companies are active in Australia, and Israel is a major source of foreign listings on the Australian Securities Exchange.
- Israel’s export destinations include Australia as a high-ranking market, according to the ambassador.
- The Executive Council of Australian Jewry reported 1,654 anti-Jewish incidents between October 1 2024 and September 30 2025, a sharp rise from the ten-year average of 342 incidents.
Official Statements & Responses – Newman’s Vision for Cooperation
He highlights Israel’s strategic location at the crossroads of East and West, suggesting it can serve as a gateway for Australian firms to European, Latin American and broader Indo-Pacific markets. Newman acknowledges Australia’s geographic distance—over 12,000 km—and differing regional threat perceptions as structural challenges. He stresses that rebuilding trust requires moving “beyond the political realm” to community engagement and business partnerships.
Challenges – Distance, Divergent Views, and Antisemitism
Australia’s isolation from the Middle East shapes a distinct security outlook, limiting shared threat perception. Divergent positions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and West Bank expansion further strain dialogue. Growing antisemitism, exemplified by the Bondi Beach massacre that claimed 15 lives last December, adds a societal hurdle. Newman emphasizes the need for joint action against hate while noting substantial support for Israel within diverse Australian communities, including Christian, Indian-speaking, Hindu, Greek and Iranian groups.
Verbatim Quotes
- “If we take it out of the political realm and we move toward community engagement and economic issues, business ties, things like that, there is wide support in Australia for Israel,” — Hillel Newman
- “There’s a saying that the economy can open the doors of diplomatic ties, and diplomacy can actually open the doors for economics,” — Hillel Newman
- “I would say Australia offers new frontiers, and we can also work with Australia and the Pacific Islands,” — Hillel Newman
What’s Next – Upcoming Summit
The Jerusalem Post Australia Summit on November 19 will serve as a platform for the ambassador’s outreach, aiming to translate personal connections and community goodwill into concrete business agreements and collaborative projects across the Indo-Pacific region.