Sydney, February 10 – Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit to Australia, extended as a gesture of solidarity following the horrific Bondi Beach terror attack, has been marred by fierce protests from anti-Israel groups. Arriving on Monday, Herzog was met not just with official welcomes but with widespread demonstrations across multiple cities, forcing police to intervene with light force to manage crowds.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who personally invited Herzog, expressed deep distress over clashes between protesters and security personnel. ‘I’m very upset by the violence,’ Albanese told Triple M radio, urging demonstrators to voice their opinions peacefully. He emphasized Australia’s desire for peace, stating, ‘Australians want two things: no fighting here and no killings, whether Israeli or Palestinian.’
The Prime Minister criticized the violence as counterproductive, noting it weakens rather than advances causes. Prior to Herzog’s arrival, Albanese had appealed for respect toward the visit’s purpose, pledging to join the president in meeting families of the attack victims. He faces criticism from the Jewish community for failing to curb rising antisemitism.
Police reported escalating tensions near Sydney’s Town Hall, where thousands gathered. As officers moved to disperse the crowd, scuffles broke out, leading to 27 arrests, including 10 charged with assaulting authorities. Footage showed protesters attempting to breach barricades, with some lying on the ground as police deployed tear gas and pepper spray. Courts had rejected legal challenges to police powers, which included dispersal orders, area restrictions, and vehicle searches.
Herzog was not present at the protest sites. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns defended the police response, highlighting the challenges of split-second decisions in volatile situations. ‘I understand the criticism of NSW Police, but they were in a difficult spot,’ Minns said at a press conference, calling for calm.
This incident underscores deepening divisions over the Israel-Palestine conflict in Australia, even as leaders push for unity in the wake of local tragedy. Albanese’s peace appeal aims to bridge gaps, but the protests signal ongoing tensions.