Sydney, Australia. Thousands of people across Australia protested on Monday over the arrival of Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who is visiting the country on a multi-city trip. Protests were organised by pro-Palestine groups and included clashes with police in Sydney.
Herzog visit and invitation
Herzog is visiting Australia this week after receiving an invitation from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese following the December 14 shooting at a Hanukkah event at Sydney’s Bondi Beach that killed 15. The trip is aimed at expressing solidarity with Australia’s Jewish community after the attack.
Protests across the country
The visit drew criticism from some people in Australia who accused Herzog of being complicit in civilian deaths in Gaza. Pro-Palestine groups organised protests in cities and towns across the country on Monday evening.
Sydney rally and speeches
In Sydney, thousands gathered in a square in the central business district, listening to speeches and chanting pro-Palestine slogans. Jackson Elliott, a 30-year-old protestor from Sydney, said, “The Bondi massacre was terrible but from our Australian leadership there’s been no acknowledgment of the Palestinian people and the Gazans,” and added, “Herzog has dodged all the questions about the occupation and says this visit is about Australia and Israeli relations but he is complicit.”
Police response and arrests
Police maintained a heavy presence, including a helicopter overhead and officers patrolling on horseback. Police used pepper spray and tear gas to push back groups attempting to breach police lines and march ahead, and several protesters were arrested during clashes.
Event declaration and legal challenge
Authorities in Sydney declared Herzog’s visit a major event and were authorised to use rarely invoked powers, including separating and moving crowds, restricting entry to certain areas, directing people to leave, and searching vehicles. On Monday, the Palestine Action Group, which organised the protest, failed in a Sydney court to legally challenge restrictions placed on the demonstration.
How do you think authorities should balance protest rights and public safety during major political visits?