Israeli authorities believe that the devastating Sydney terror attack, which claimed the lives of at least 15 people, may have been carried out by an Iranian-backed foreign terror cell. Officials have cited Iran as a primary suspect and are also investigating possible links to groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, according to Israeli media reports.
The atrocity, which targeted a Jewish gathering celebrating Hanukkah, the festival of lights, at Bondi Beach, has been described as the worst mass shooting in Australia in decades. Australian officials have not publicly confirmed any foreign involvement in the attack.
Intelligence sources point to sophisticated planning, hallmarks of Hezbollah’s Unit 910
Intelligence sources have suggested to the Telegraph that the attack on the Bondi Beach celebration appeared to be sophisticated and well-planned, bearing the hallmarks of Unit 910, Hezbollah’s feared external operations arm. An Iranian link to the attack would follow a pattern of recent terror plots and attacks in Australia.
In October, Israel‘s Mossad intelligence agency revealed that it had thwarted dozens of terror attacks around the world on Jewish and Israeli targets since October 7, 2023, in countries including Greece, Germany, Belgium, Sweden, and Australia.
Australia expels Iranian ambassador over alleged attacks on Jewish targets
In August, Australia ordered Iran’s ambassador to leave the country after alleging that Tehran had directed attacks against Jewish targets in Sydney and Melbourne, including an arson attack on a cafe in Sydney in October 2024 and another on a synagogue in Melbourne in December.
Mike Burgess, head of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), said at the time that his teams had uncovered links « between the alleged crimes and the commanders in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the IRGC ».
Intelligence services also indicated to the Telegraph they had found evidence that Iran was likely to be behind other anti-Semitic incidents in Australia, including attacks on Jewish schools, homes, vehicles, and synagogues since the October 7 attack on Israel by Iran-backed Hamas and the subsequent war in Gaza.
Experts weigh in on possible Iranian involvement and challenges in investigation
Danny Citrinowicz, an Iran expert from the Institute of National Security Studies in Israel, told the Telegraph it was « too early to jump to conclusions » but acknowledged that Iran and Hezbollah are « definitely suspects and high on the priority list » given their recent activity in Australia.
Ronen Solomon, an Israeli intelligence expert on Hezbollah, told reporters the attackers managed to bypass local security, gathering detailed information on the target and thoroughly planning the attack. He warned that if the investigation incriminates Iran or Hezbollah, Israel will respond, making the situation more complicated.
Sunni groups like Al-Qaeda and IS also active in Australia, cannot be ruled out
While experts point to Iran’s involvement in targeting Jewish facilities in Sydney and Melbourne, they have not ruled out the possibility of Sunni groups being behind the attack. Al-Qaeda and IS have also been active in Australia, making the investigation more challenging if Iran or Hezbollah is involved, as they are known to cover their tracks well.
An Israeli intelligence source told The Telegraph that officials are keeping an open mind, but the operation appears to have the hallmarks of a state-sponsored event, given its level of organization and the use of long-range weapons.
« It was extremely well organised by a coordinated group, and from way ahead of time, and the amount of ammunition and long-range weapons all point to this, » the source said.
Mossad claimed in October that it had identified senior IRGC-Quds Force commander Gen Ammar as the mastermind behind a transnational network responsible for anti-Semitic attacks in several Western countries, including Australia, following the October 7 Hamas terror attack.
Mossad said the network intensified its activities following the October 7 attack, targeting Jewish and Israeli sites worldwide.
As the investigation into the Sydney terror attack continues, the world awaits further information on the perpetrators and their possible links to Iran and other foreign terror groups. The tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat of terrorism and the need for vigilance in combating extremism.
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