Due to an ease in Australia’s restrictions on visiting the Jewish state, Defense Minister Robert Ray will make an official visit next month to Israel.
This is the first time an Australian defense minister has made such a trip
The original restrictions were imposed after the 1982 war in Lebanon. Australian leaders decided that it was inappropriate for their country to have perceived military links with Jerusalem while the Israel Defense Force remained in the southern Lebanon security zone.
Ray, also a senator, said Australia eased the restrictions because of the peace process under way in the the Middle East.
Ray has visited Egypt and Oman while serving as defense minister. He said the trip to Israel “wouldn’t be seen as taking sides.” The visit will be part of a larger tour, which includes the United States, Italy an Britain.
Ray developed good links with the Jewish community in Australia when he served earlier as immigration minister.
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