Australians in Israel Advised to Reassess Stay Amid Missile Attacks
Iran has launched hundreds of missiles into Israel just before the Jewish high holidays, leading Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to denounce the attacks.
Australia has issued a travel alert for Israel advising reconsideration of travel plans after Iran conducted a significant missile strike on the eve of the Jewish New Year festivities.
Reports from the media indicate that approximately 200 missiles were launched into Israel by Iran on October 1st.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made a statement on X (formerly Twitter), condemning Iran’s missile attack on Israel.
“This is a highly dangerous escalation—Australia and the global community have been firm in our calls for de-escalation.
“Further hostilities endanger civilians.”
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Albanese advised Australians in Israel to heed the guidance of local authorities and reconsider their presence in Israel.
The Australian government has cautioned about missile threats, including those from the terrorist group Hezbollah targeting Israel’s north.
Many Israelis have sought refuge in rocket shelters and secure rooms.
Despite some rockets reaching the ground, Israel’s anti-missile defence system, the Iron Dome, has thus far averted civilian casualties.
October 2nd marks the beginning of the Jewish high holidays, including the Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur celebrations on October 12th, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
The missile assaults occurred less than a week before the first anniversary of Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7th, resulting in the killing of over 1,000 individuals and the abduction of many more. Over 100 hostages are still held in Gaza.
Jillian Segal, the special envoy on combatting antisemitism, described the situation as “truly shocking” for the Jewish community, especially following rallies in Australia with pro-Hezbollah demonstrators chanting anti-Semitic slogans and holding Hezbollah flags.
The Middle East situation has become increasingly volatile since Hamas’s attack on October 7th, with Hezbollah and Iran pledging significant strikes against Israel as the conflict continues.
In April, Israeli forces eliminated top Iranian general Mohammad Reza Zahedi by launching missiles into the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria.
In September, several communication pagers used by Hezbollah were detonated, resulting in the loss of key Hezbollah members. Hezbollah and Iran accused Israel of the attack, while Israeli President Isaac Herzog asserted his government’s lack of involvement.
Australian Workplace Minister Murray Watt called for “immediate de-escalation” in response to the Iranian rocket strikes, emphasizing the importance of avoiding prolonged conflict leading to civilian casualties on both sides of the border.
