Israeli Ambassador Says ‘No Credible Evidence’ of Assault on Australia Flotilla Protesters

Hillel Newman said Israeli authorities may cooperate with an AFP investigation, but the IDF ‘don’t have to prove they didn’t rape.’

Members of a Gaza-bound flotilla, that were detained by Israeli security forces last week, speak during a press conference after arriving at Sydney International Airport in Australia on May 25, 2026. David Gray/AFP via Getty Images

Israel’s ambassador to Australia, Hillel Newman, says his country has “nothing to hide” over allegations that Australians on the Gaza protest flotilla were sexually assaulted.

Eleven Australians were among a group of international activists detained aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, which said it wanted to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, when it was intercepted by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF).

A total of 170 activists, including the Australians, were eventually deported.

In an interview with the ABC, Newman denied that it was the purpose of the flotilla, calling those aboard “professional provocateurs.”

“They have a track record of lies,” he alleged.

“It had nothing to do with humanitarian aid. There was no aid on the entire flotilla. They lied about the fact that they’re bringing aid ... They lie about the fact that there’s starvation in Gaza. It’s not true.”

At the time, Israel accused the protesters of using humanitarian aid as a cover, while their true purpose was to further the interests of the Hamas terrorist group and other armed groups.

Newman said Israel respected the Australian Federal Police but “they’re wasting their time on such a futile accusation.”

Possible Cooperation

Whether Israel and the IDF would cooperate with the investigation would depend on how it was handled.

“If this is a professional examination, I’m sure we will cooperate. If this is a witch hunt and trying to support a wild accusation, then I’m not sure how we will respond to it,” he said.

“You cannot prove a negative. You cannot prove that you didn’t. You know, we have a saying in Israel: ‘Prove that you don’t have a sister.’ You cannot prove a negative, and the burden of proof is actually on the people who accuse.

“[The IDF] don’t have to prove that they didn’t rape.”

Newman claimed Israeli authorities had photographs of protesters “faking their injuries” and footage showing them “enjoying themselves, engaging in recreational sports in good health” and “embracing each other.”

Just over a month ago, Foreign Minister Penny Wong directed the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to call in Newman following international condemnation of a video showing Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir berating the activists.

The protesters were zip-tied and forced to kneel on the ground.

Wong then agreed to meet the protesters personally after they sat in the public gallery at a Senate estimates hearing for her department, where she was repeatedly questioned on the issue by Greens Senator David Shoebridge.

That meeting was attended by senior AFP officers, and on June 17 an investigation was announced into the protesters’ claims of rape, kidnapping and torture.

Newman said that to date, no complaint had been lodged with the embassy.