SECURITY measures at the Israeli Embassy in Suva have reportedly been raised in recent months, with the Fiji Police Force confirming the embassy requested additional police security.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations Kasiano Vusonilawe said the request was part of normal security arrangements provided by police following a security assessment.
“This is normal security arrangements provided by Fiji Police based on the embassy request and security assessment,” he said.
The Israeli Embassy did not deny that additional security measures were in place but said it would not comment on specific arrangements for security reasons.
“Israel and its mission worldwide operate in a complex and evolving security environment, facing a range of threats that require continuous vigilance and appropriate security preparedness,” the embassy said.
“For security reasons, the embassy does not comment on or provide details regarding the specific security measures and arrangements.”
This newspaper received reports that police presence at the embassy had increased in recent months and that Israeli Ambassador to Fiji, Maya Y. Yaron was residing at a prominent accommodation in Suva, where her room was reportedly being changed every night.
The embassy said Israel had reopened its regional embassy in Suva to strengthen ties between the two countries and their peoples. It said the mission aimed to share Israel’s experience and expertise in areas including agriculture, health, education, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Neither police nor the embassy disclosed the nature of the security assessment or whether the increased security was linked to any specific threat.
