New South Wales’ highest-ranking police officers were concerned about the impact that lighting the sails of the Opera House in support of Israel would have “on our streets” following the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East.
Police documents – released to state parliament via a parliamentary order – have revealed the force scrambled to pull together a “threat assessment” following the decision by the premier, Chris Minns, to light the sails.
Senior officers requested intelligence on how similar moves by other governments had been handled and if such decisions had led to local conflict.
In one of the emails from the night of Sunday 8 October, a senior officer said the premier’s office had let them know the sails would be lit up “in blue and white” on Monday night.
The officer said the acting NSW police commissioner, David Hudson, was concerned about the decision.
“Mr Hudson and I are both equally concerned at the impact this might have on our streets and potential further escalation of current tensions in the Jewish/Israeli communities,” the email to another member of the force said.
In another document, it was revealed that Hudson planned to “speak with the minister” about possible “increased tension” that could be caused by the sails being lit. It is not clear from the police documents if this conversation occurred.
“The commissioner is concerned the government’s decision to light the Opera House may cause us some additional problems in the community and is seeking an assessment on any additional threat it may cause,” an officer texted to a colleague.
In an email on Sunday afternoon, officers asked for an “urgent threat assessment” of the impact of the decision.
The premier has repeatedly defended his decision to light the Opera House sails in a display of solidarity with Israel following brutal attacks by Hamas.
Asked about the decision on Monday this week, the premier said it was “absolutely” the right call.
“It was important to recognise that this was indiscriminate killing in relation to civilians in Israel,” Minns said, noting that other countries made similar gestures of support.
Other internal police emails show how officers collected intelligence ahead of the planned Monday night protest.
One officer reported back to colleagues that a pro-Palestinian group had made clear the Opera House was a protest site because the sails were being lit up.
“He says the reason for the move is the sails of the Opera House being lit,” the email reads. “That is a significant concern for the Palestinian community and they are incensed by that decision.”
The Monday protest at the Opera House was widely condemned by politicians including the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, and the foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, after some in attendance made antisemitic chants, including “fuck the Jews” and “fuck Israel”.
Organisers subsequently distanced themselves from what they said was a minority of “idiots”.
The premier and the police minister, Yasmin Catley, were on Tuesday contacted for comment.
