Mon Feb 24 05:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Australian Army Officer Loses Security Clearance Over Alleged Loyalty to Israel

**CANBERRA** – An Australian army officer with 19 years of service has had his security clearance revoked after Australia’s domestic intelligence agency, ASIO, determined he posed an unacceptable risk due to his alleged loyalty to Israel and vulnerability to exploitation by the Mossad.

The officer, identified only as HWMW in tribunal documents, is Jewish and held a Top Secret security clearance. ASIO’s concerns stemmed from HWMW’s statements during security assessments, where he reportedly indicated he would share classified information with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) if requested and that he did not view Israel as a foreign government.

Further fueling ASIO’s concerns was HWMW’s failure to fully disclose participation in security and firearms training courses in Israel, conducted by former Israeli Security Agency members. These courses, undertaken as part of his volunteer work with a Sydney Jewish community security group, were described by HWMW as a potential recruiting ground for the Mossad.

The Administrative Appeals Tribunal upheld ASIO’s decision, citing HWMW’s “demonstrated poor judgment, poor security practices, failure to comply with the obligations of a security clearance holder, his vulnerability to influence or coercion by the Israeli Intelligence Services, and his demonstrated loyalty to Israel above the Australian government.”

While HWMW argued his actions were motivated by a desire to protect his community and that his loyalty to both Israel and Australia was compatible, ASIO deemed the risk too great. The agency rejected the possibility of lowering his clearance level, stating no mitigation could adequately address the potential for Mossad exploitation.

The tribunal’s decision marks a significant development in Australian national security, highlighting the complexities of balancing individual loyalty and national security concerns. The case underscores ASIO’s vigilance in protecting sensitive information and its assessment of potential threats to Australia’s national interests.

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