During World War I, Australian horsemen, part of the Australian Light Horse regiments, played a crucial role in the Middle Eastern theatre, facing off against both German and Ottoman forces. Their most iconic moment came during the Battle of Beersheba, a pivotal engagement in the wider Sinai and Palestine Campaign.

In the harsh desert landscape of the Middle East, Australian Light Horse units showcased their exceptional horsemanship, endurance, and adaptability. Operating in terrain where traditional cavalry tactics were thought to be obsolete, they proved the value of mounted troops in modern warfare.

The Battle of Beersheba, which took place on October 31, 1917, saw Australian Light Horse brigades as part of the larger British Empire forces attempting to capture the strategically vital town of Beersheba, located in present-day Israel. The town was a crucial Ottoman stronghold that guarded the road to Jerusalem.

As part of a daring and audacious plan, the Australian Light Horsemen executed a historic mounted charge against entrenched Ottoman positions. In a dramatic display of courage and skill, they galloped over open ground, under heavy fire from Turkish machine guns and artillery, to breach the enemy defences.

Despite facing daunting odds, the Australians, armed with rifles and bayonets, spurred their horses forward with characteristic bravery. The surprise and speed of their charge caught the Ottomans off guard, enabling them to break through the enemy lines and capture the town. This bold manoeuvre not only secured Beersheba but also opened the way for further advances into Palestine.

The success of the Australian Light Horse charge at Beersheba marked a significant turning point in the campaign, ultimately leading to the eventual capture of Jerusalem by British Empire forces. It also solidified the reputation of the Australian mounted troops as formidable warriors, revered for their tenacity, resourcefulness, and willingness to take on the toughest challenges in the service of their country.

In a recent revelation, Ukrainian intelligence has disclosed the disruption of a sinister scheme orchestrated by Russian operatives aimed at assassinating President Volodymyr Zelensky and other high-ranking officials. The SBU State Security Service disclosed that they apprehended Russian agents embedded within the Ukrainian state guard, actively conspiring to abduct and eliminate the president and key governmental figures.

Vasyl Malyuk, the head of SBU, revealed that the foiled assassination plot was intended as a “gift” to Vladimir Putin, scheduled just before his upcoming inauguration. The SBU managed to apprehend two suspected infiltrators, believed to have been recruited by Russia prior to its invasion.

The intricate plan included a Russian secret agent transmitting coordinates of a safe house in preparation for a rocket attack. Additionally, Russia intended to obliterate all evidence by targeting the president with another missile, using a drone.

Despite the lack of concrete evidence, the SBU asserted, “The enemy was actively developing plans to eliminate President Volodymyr Zelensky.” The FSB, Russia’s intelligence network, sought to enlist military personnel involved in the president’s protection to facilitate the abduction and subsequent assassination.

In addition to President Zelensky, the targets of the plot included Vasyl Malyuk, the head of the Security Service of Ukraine, and Kyryll Budanov, the head of the state administration of Ukraine, among others.

Mr. Malyuk emphasized the covert nature of the operation, stating, “A limited number of people knew about our special operation, and I personally monitored its progress.” He highlighted the failure of the terrorist attack, which was intended to be a pre-inauguration gift to Putin, as a testament to the resilience of Ukrainian intelligence against Russian aggression.

Despite the efforts of our defence and intelligence agencies, the Australian public remains largely unaware of the extent of external threats. We need a comprehensive national security strategy, not just a defence plan, to engage all sectors in protecting our sovereignty and countering foreign interference.

While our allies have such strategies in place, our government has neglected crucial areas like border security and industry development. We must follow the example of the late Senator Molan and develop a strategy that encompasses all aspects of national security.

Recent events globally, from Canada to Taiwan, highlight the pervasive threat of foreign interference in democracies. These aggressive nations use social media and other means to undermine our institutions and influence public opinion.

Our democracy is resilient but not invulnerable. We must move beyond short-term politics and prioritize building a safer future for the next generations. It’s time for all levels of government and society to unite in crafting a robust national security strategy, as our children’s future depends on it.