Australia will send a Defence Force officer to a new U.S.-led coordination center in Israel. This initiative is part of an international effort to address humanitarian and security challenges in the region following years of conflict. The Civil-Military Coordination Centre, operated by U.S. Central Command, is a significant component of President Donald Trump's 20-point peace plan for Gaza. The plan aims to unite partner nations to coordinate aid, security, and reconstruction efforts in the area.

The U.S. has invited several countries, including Australia, to participate in this initiative. On Wednesday evening, the Australian federal government confirmed its decision to contribute one liaison officer from the Australian Defence Force (ADF). A Defence spokesperson stated, "Australia welcomes the Israel-Hamas ceasefire and agreement to President Trump's peace plan. This peace plan brings a rare and important moment of hope after more than two years of immense suffering and devastation."

The spokesperson added that this contribution aligns with Australia’s broader commitment to global peacekeeping efforts. The officer will be involved in planning and coordination activities. Although Australia's defence policy primarily focuses on the Indo-Pacific region, the spokesperson noted that Canberra will "always carefully consider opportunities to contribute to international peace and security."

ADF Chief of Joint Operations Justin Jones recently participated in a video call with U.S. Central Command to discuss the proposal. He stated, "I've got a fair idea of what their intention is and what it might look like. It's not for me to get ahead of the Australian government, though; it's for government to determine how they wish to commit to any operations in Gaza."

Liberal Senator Dave Sharma, a former Australian ambassador to Israel, expressed support for Australia's involvement in peacekeeping missions in the Middle East. He stated, "I think it's important that Australia plays a role in the stabilisation of that part of the world, and historically we have done so, whether it's troops in the Sinai, people in Lebanon, people on the Golan Heights. Never mind the fight against ISIS maybe a decade ago."

However, Senator Sharma raised concerns about the timing of the announcement, questioning why it was made quietly by Defence instead of being highlighted during the Prime Minister's recent visit to Washington. He remarked, "I am surprised, because clearly this would have come up in Washington. It normally would have been announced by the prime minister as part of the outcomes of that visit, so it's not clear to me why it's been handled this way; it's a little irregular."

Under the U.S. proposal, Washington and its partners will collaborate with Arab states to train and support vetted Palestinian police forces in Gaza, with assistance from Egypt and Jordan. Acting Defence Minister Pat Conroy and Shadow Defence Minister Angus Taylor have been contacted for further comments on this development.