Details of defence deal with Israel kept under wraps to protect Australia's 'reputation'

Australia’s defence department says its deal with Israel contains sensitive diplomatic information. (Getty: Sean Gallup)

Details of an agreement struck between Australia and Israel on defence industry cooperation will not be released publicly over concerns the information could damage Australia’s “international relations”.

Scrutiny of military relations with Israel has intensified since last week’s air strike on an aid convoy in Gaza, which killed Australian Zomi Frankcom, along with six other humanitarian workers.

Shortly after the outbreak of the Gaza war in October, the Greens submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) request for a copy of the “Memorandum of Understanding” (MOU) signed between Australia and Israel in 2017.

Following a three-month process, the defence department formally rejected the application, arguing that the document, which contains sensitive diplomatic information, is exempt under FOI legislation.

A summary provided by the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) to the Greens reveals that the Israeli government was also consulted about releasing the document before Defence ultimately rejected the FOI request.

“The document within the scope of this request contains information which, if released, could reasonably be expected to damage the international relations of the Commonwealth,” the Defence Department said in a letter explaining its decision.

“The document contains information communicated to Australia by a foreign government and its officials under the expectation that it would not be disclosed,” a Defence official wrote.

“The release of such information could harm Australia’s international standing and reputation.”

The federal government has consistently argued that Australia has not exported any weapons to Israel for at least five years, but it has faced criticism for recently awarding a $917 million contract to Israeli defence company Elbit Systems.

According to the OAIC, Defence first notified Israel of the FOI request in December and received a response from Benjamin Netanyahu’s government in late February.

“The decision maker within Defence will consider the foreign government’s consultation response to make an informed and robust decision,” the OAIC told the Greens.

Greens senator David Shoebridge said there was no reason for the MOU on defence industry cooperation to remain secret and for a foreign government to have any say in what information Australia could release.

“There is no place for secret arms treaties and secret arms deals between countries,” he said.

“And there is certainly no place for giving other countries veto power over what the Australian government tells the public about our government’s defence and arms deals.

“Over 30,000 people have been killed by the State of Israel in Gaza in the past six months. In this context, the Australian public has a right to know about the military trade relationship with the State of Israel.”

PM ‘confident’ Israel will cooperate with special advisor

On Monday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he expected Israel would fully cooperate with the government’s newly appointed “special advisor” Mark Binskin, who would investigate the killing of the seven aid workers.

The former Australian Defence Chief has been tasked with dealing directly with Israeli authorities and the country’s military and to report back to the federal government on any further actions needed.

Appearing on the ABC’s Afternoon Briefing program, Mr Albanese was asked whether Israel was given any indication that the retired air chief marshal would be granted access to “highly classified military recordings” of the deadly incident.

“We are confident that that will be made available, because it is in Israel’s interest as well for there to be transparency around these incidents, they have shaken the world,” Mr Albanese said.

“And the seven people who were directly affected, aid workers who, their countries of origin, of course, have all expressed their anger about the events that occurred.

“We would expect that someone of Mr Binskin’s stature, frankly, will be given every cooperation from the Israeli Defence Force and the Israeli government.”