A former senior legal official from the Trump administration has called on the Australian government to more thoroughly investigate the root causes of antisemitism in the wake of the December 2025 terrorist attack in Bondi, Sydney. During a briefing with foreign journalists on Tuesday, US Deputy Attorney-General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon urged the ongoing Australian royal commission examining antisemitism to hold accountable not only direct perpetrators but also those cultural factors that enable such attacks.
Ms. Dhillon described antisemitism as resembling a termite infestation, warning that focusing solely on individual offenders overlooks broader societal problems that require comprehensive solutions. She expressed concern that if Australia fails to address these issues, Jewish communities in the country might remain at risk.
Her comments followed criticism of the Antisemitism and Social Cohesion Royal Commission led by Commissioner Virginia Bell, whose inquiry has faced backlash for the omission of key figures such as hate preachers and protest leaders from its witness list. Critics argue this gap has limited the commission’s ability to fully explore the causes and networks behind antisemitic activities. There have been calls for extensions to ensure those individuals can be questioned.
Also weighing in on the issue, US antisemitism envoy Yehuda Kaploun criticized the Australian government, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, for insufficiently acting on Jillian Segal’s earlier report on combating antisemitism prior to the Bondi attack. Kaploun contended that international pressure was necessary to prompt the establishment of the royal commission.
Ms. Dhillon additionally voiced disapproval of some countries arresting individuals for offensive online posts in the name of combating hate speech, noting the United States does not typically take such legal action. She linked recent sanctions imposed by a number of European and allied countries on Israel, particularly targeting Israeli settlements in the West Bank, to the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement—a political campaign she and much of the Trump administration consider antisemitic.
Highlighting the risk of retaliatory measures, Ms. Dhillon warned that nations participating in these sanctions could face tariffs or other countermeasures from the United States while Donald Trump remains president. This stance marks a departure from Mr. Trump’s previous approach, as he had not publicly criticized allied countries for these sanctions until now. Countries that have announced such measures include the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Canada, and several Nordic and European states. Australia reportedly deliberated joining but ultimately refrained.
Addressing the wider context, Ms. Dhillon called the rising antisemitism in Europe “deeply concerning” and said it had largely gone unchecked. Her remarks coincided with the third anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks, a date that has intensified focus on antisemitism and Middle East tensions.
Meanwhile, Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong indicated last month that the government may consider additional sanctions aimed at deterring illegal Israeli settlements, though she ruled out a comprehensive embargo.
Ms. Dhillon’s background includes advocacy for free speech and representation of former President Trump in electoral integrity lawsuits. Her recent statements reflect a heightened US focus on combating antisemitism both domestically and internationally amid evolving geopolitical dynamics.