Isaac Herzog held secret meeting with Asio boss during Australia trip, intelligence agency confirms

The Guardian World

by Ben Doherty

March 3, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Isaac Herzog, the President of Israel, secretly met with Mike Burgess, Australia’s director general of security, during his recent visit to Australia. This meeting was confirmed by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) and is being described as unprecedented for a foreign head of state to gain access to a domestic intelligence agency. The disclosure came after Senator David Pocock pressed Foreign Minister Penny Wong in the Senate about the details of the encounter. While Wong acknowledged that ASIO-related matters are sensitive, she declined to confirm or deny the meeting. The significance of this meeting lies in its rarity and potential implications for diplomatic relations between Australia and Israel. Typically, such high-level intelligence meetings involve national security discussions, which could encompass a range of topics including regional stability, cybersecurity, or shared threats. The fact that it occurred during Herzog’s visit suggests a level of coordination or collaboration between the two nations’ intelligence services, which is not commonly observed. Senator Pocock has raised concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding the meeting, calling it “unprecedented” for a foreign leader to interact directly with ASIO. This has sparked debate about whether such interactions align with Australia’s security protocols and whether they were properly scrutinized before taking place. Critics argue that the move could set a precedent for future visits by foreign leaders, potentially undermining the transparency and independence of ASIO. The situation highlights the delicate balance between national security and diplomatic relations. While it is not unusual for world leaders to engage in private discussions during official visits, the involvement of an intelligence agency adds a layer of complexity. Questions remain about what was discussed during the meeting and how it might impact Australia’s foreign policy or international alliances. Ultimately, this incident underscores the importance of maintaining trust and accountability in intelligence-sharing between nations. As global challenges continue to evolve, such interactions may become more common, but they must be handled with care to preserve both national security interests and public confidence.

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 3/3/2026