Security key for Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s Australia visit

Benjamin Netanyahu arrives in Australia for a historic visit on Wednesday, the first by a serving Israeli prime minister.

After endless back and forth concerning the duration and content of the visit, Mr Netanyahu has extended his stay, which at one stage was going to last for little more than 24 hours, to stretch now from Wednesday to Saturday.

He will hold a series of talks with Malcolm Turnbull, and the two leaders will appear together at a number of events. The Israeli leader will also meet Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove, as well as Bill Shorten and NSW Premier Gladys Berejeklian. He will also attend a full meeting of federal cabinet and address Jewish community functions.

The two countries will formalise a cyber-security dialogue and enhance cyber-security co-operation.

Israel is widely regarded as a cyber-security superpower, and Mr Turnbull has been personally involved in the development of Australian government cyber policies. Security and economic issues will dominate the visit.

Read the article by Greg Sheridan in The Australian (subscription required).