Anti-Israel ‘cell’ claims responsibility for Lovitt Technologies arson attack, issues threat to workers
An alarming video has emerged of a masked anti-Israel activist claiming to be part of a “cell” behind a firebombing attack on a Melbourne business and directly threatening its staff.
Victoria
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An alarming video has emerged of a masked anti-Israel activist providing detailed instructions on how to carry out firebombings and claiming responsibility for an attack on a Melbourne business.
The disturbing footage shows a person dressed in all black claiming to be part of a “cell” responsible for the firebombing of a Victorian weapons manufacturer and directly threatening its workers, saying they had their addresses.
The person, who wears blacked out glasses and uses an altered voice, accuses “every worker” at Lovitt Technologies Australia of being “complicit” in the “genocide” occurring in Gaza.
“We will decide your fate, as you have decided the fate of millions,” the masked figure says.
“For the past few months we have been closely watching you.
“We have your addresses.
“All the information we have about you will be distributed to our underground networks.
“Stop arming Israel or else.”
Three cars were graffitied with pro-Palestine messages and set on fire outside Lovitt in Greensborough earlier this month.
In the video, the masked activist provides detailed instructions on how to use fire starters to torch cars.
“If you are watching this you can do what we have done,” the activist says.
“Be mindful of fingerprints and DNA.”
The July 5 attack at Lovitt came just hours after a mob of pro-Palestine activists ambushed staff and patrons at Israeli restaurant Miznon in Melbourne’s CBD and after the East Melbourne Synagogue was set alight, forcing 20 people to flee.
SHOCKING THREAT
— Australian Jewish Association (@AustralianJA) July 13, 2025
Australian businesses are being threatened by 'Free Palestine' thugs.
This is what happens when the Labor Government refuses to act for almost 2 years. pic.twitter.com/ysb5yakNDl
Towards the end of the video, the anonymous activist then calls for “death to Israel, death to Australia, death to America”.
“Every colony will burn,” they say.
“We are behind the enemy lines of this genocide.
“And it is our duty to attack the belly of this colonialist imperialist beast at every opportunity.”
Acting premier, police minster didn’t watch video
At a press conference on Monday afternoon, acting Premier Jaclyn Symes and Police Minister Anthony Carbines claimed that they had not yet watched the video.
Mr Carbines said he had spent Monday morning in meetings with senior police, but would not confirm whether the video was discussed in those meetings.
Ms Symes said she would “condemn any disturbing, racially motivated or hateful conduct” but said it was up to Victoria Police to take appropriate action.
She defended the government’s actions to stamp out extremism.
“When it comes to acting on hate and inappropriate conduct in this state we have acted,” she said.
“We have brought in anti-vilification legislation which will come into effect in September.”
Despite spending years crafting the laws in her previous role as the state’s attorney-general, Ms Symes, could not say whether “Death to the IDF” chants would constitute an offence.
“It is difficult for me to give you a definitive view, nor is it appropriate to be giving you a definitive review in relation to the applications of the laws,” she said.
“There is also constitutional protection for implied right to political freedom.”
She suggested that the death chants could fall under different federal or state laws.
“There are a range of offences, both at the federal level and the state level, that can apply independently of anti-vilification law, which was designed to deal with a lot of situations, but not all situations,” she said.
“If you’re inciting, if you’re asking people to commit violence, there are a range of other offences that also might be appropriate.”
Counter terror detectives probing video
A spokesperson for the Australian Federal Police and Victoria Police confirmed the video and firebombings were being investigated by counter terrorism detectives.
“The matter is now being investigated by the Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team, which includes personnel from Victoria Police, the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation.
“This video is being reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.”
The spokesperson said no links had yet established between the firebombings and the other incidents.
The activist in the video warns it should be taken as a serious threat.
“This was not an accident or thoughtless act of vandalism,” he says.
“If you continue making weapons components of any kind there will be consequences.
“Consider this a warning.”
Australian Jewish Association chief executive Robert Gregory said the video was a “clear incitement to domestic terrorism”.
“This is a deeply troubling escalation,” he said.
“Australian businesses and their employees are being threatened. Authorities must act urgently — before someone is seriously harmed or killed.”
Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin said the footage resembled material released by terrorist organisations as he called for those responsible to be met with the law.
“Seeing a group resembling an al-Qaeda terror cell openly pledging to carry out criminal acts is chilling and disturbing,” he said.
“It doesn’t matter that they think they’re doing something just and righteous – Islamist terrorists and neo-Nazis think that too.
“What matters is that we remain a country of laws and not allow bands of zealots to decide what is a legitimate target for violence and criminal acts.
“If we fail to confront this threat we risk becoming a nation of competing violent extremists and not a society under the rule of law.”
Originally published as Anti-Israel ‘cell’ claims responsibility for Lovitt Technologies arson attack, issues threat to workers
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