Australian police used pepper spray and made several arrests on Monday as thousands gathered to protest the state visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog.The demonstrations, organized by the Palestine Action Group, took place despite strict "major event" security restrictions recently introduced by the New South Wales government.
President Herzog arrived in Australia on a four-day visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The trip is intended to offer solidarity to the local Jewish community following a tragic mass shooting at a Hanukkah event in Bondi Beach last December, which left 15 people dead.
While the President laid a wreath at the Bondi memorial, scuffles broke out in central Sydney between police and protesters. Officers used pepper spray to disperse crowds after demonstrators attempted to march toward the state parliament.
Police utilized newly granted authority to shut down city areas, search individuals, and issue heavy fines for non-compliance.
Demonstrators, many wearing Palestinian headscarves, called for Herzog's arrest, citing a UN Commission report from September 2025 that accused him of "inciting genocide" in Gaza—an allegation Herzog and the Israeli government strongly deny.
The visit has drawn a mixed response across Australia. Groups like the Executive Council of Australian Jewry welcomed the visit as a vital source of comfort for a pained community.
Organizations such as the Jewish Council of Australia (JCA) and the Australian National Imams Council argued against the invitation, stating it could deepen social divisions.
The visit occurs amid strained ties. Last year, Australia formally recognized Palestine as a state, joining the UK and France—a move that prompted harsh criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Prime Minister Albanese defended the invitation, emphasizing that people have a right to express their views but noted that the visit is centered on mourning the victims of the "devastating antisemitic terror attack" at Bondi.
President Herzog is scheduled to continue his tour with stops in Canberra and Melbourne before returning to Israel on Thursday.
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