Sydney, Australia – Thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators took to the streets across major Australian cities on Monday, protesting the arrival of Israeli President Isaac Herzog for a four-day official visit, with calls for his arrest and accountability over Israel's ongoing war in Gaza.
The protests, organised by groups such as the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN), Blak Caucus, Palestine Action Group, and Jews Against the Occupation ’48, drew an estimated 5,000 people in Sydney alone, where clashes broke out between demonstrators and police outside Town Hall. Authorities used pepper spray to disperse the crowd, leading to several arrests, according to local reports.
Similar rallies occurred in Melbourne, where protesters gathered at Flinders Street Station, and other cities, highlighting widespread opposition to Herzog's presence. Demonstrators chanted slogans such as "Free Palestine" and "Herzog, you can't hide, we charge you with genocide," condemning the Israeli leader's role in what they described as war crimes and incitement to genocide in Gaza.
APAN President Nasser Mashni stated that welcoming Herzog "undermines Australia’s commitment to accountability and justice," accusing the Israeli government of "carrying out genocide in Gaza, enforcing occupation, and maintaining apartheid over Palestinians."
The visit, invited by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, aims to show solidarity with the country's Jewish community following the deadly Bondi Beach shooting on December 14, 2025, which killed 15 people during a Hanukkah celebration. Herzog began his itinerary by laying a wreath at Bondi Beach on Monday, describing the attack as an act of "evil" and calling for unity among people of all faiths.
However, the invitation has sparked controversy, with protesters and advocacy groups arguing it disregards Israel's actions in Gaza, where over 42,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 7, 2023, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. Israel maintains its operations are targeted at Hamas militants and denies genocide allegations, which are under investigation by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
In Sydney, the New South Wales Police declared the protest a major security event, granting expanded powers to officers. This led to a showdown with organisers, who challenged restrictions in court. A Supreme Court judge rejected an urgent legal bid to alter the rally's route, but three groups—Blak Caucus, Palestine Action Group, and Jews Against the Occupation ’48—have launched a broader constitutional challenge against anti-protest laws, arguing they infringe on the implied right to freedom of political communication.
Video footage from the scene showed police blocking entrances and exits, with some protesters, including those praying, being targeted. Witnesses reported snipers on rooftops and the use of force against Muslim and Indigenous participants.
The Australian government has defended the visit, with Albanese emphasising support for the Jewish community amid rising antisemitism. However, the US Embassy in Yemen—unrelated but highlighting global tensions—earlier called for inclusive governance, though not directly linked to this event.
Herzog's schedule includes meetings with Prime Minister Albanese, Governor-General Sam Mostyn, and Jewish community leaders, focusing on bilateral ties and regional security. This is the first visit by an Israeli president to Australia since the Bondi attack, which has been classified as antisemitic terrorism.
Protests are expected to continue throughout Herzog's stay, with up to 30 rallies planned nationwide. Organisers have vowed peaceful demonstrations, but police have warned of strict enforcement against disruptions.
The events underscore deep divisions in Australia over the Israel-Gaza conflict, mirroring global debates. While Jewish groups have welcomed Herzog's solidarity, pro-Palestinian advocates argue the visit legitimises alleged war crimes and overlooks Palestinian suffering.
As of Monday evening, no official response from Herzog or the Israeli delegation addressed the protests directly, though the president earlier called for unity against hatred.
Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, with heightened security measures in place for the remainder of the visit.
