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).