Thousands Protest Israeli President Herzog’s Visit in Sydney | WATCH
Tensions boiled over in Sydney as thousands protested President Isaac Herzog’s visit. NSW Police deployed pepper spray and made multiple arrests after scuffles broke out during the "major event" demonstration near Town Hall.
Thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators rallied in Sydney’s central business district today against the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
The main gathering took place in a square near Sydney Town Hall, featuring speeches, chants, Palestinian flags, and placards accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza and calling for Herzog’s arrest.Organised by groups including the Palestine Action Group, protesters had planned to march from Town Hall to the New South Wales Parliament.
Authorities declared Herzog’s visit a “major event” and imposed strict restrictions under special police powers. A last-minute court challenge to these powers by the Palestine Action Group was rejected earlier today.
When some demonstrators tried to march anyway, NSW Police used pepper spray, leading to scuffles and several arrests.Similar protests were held in Melbourne at Flinders Street Station and in smaller numbers in other cities.
Herzog is visiting Australia at the invitation of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to express solidarity with the Jewish community following the December 14, 2025, terror attack at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach, which killed 15 people.
He addressed the central memorial ceremony for the victims of the Bondi Beach massacre:
“Fifteen innocent people, Jews and non-Jews, were brutally shot to death, out of hatred, evil, and extremism. Dozens more were injured, and the Australian people and the Jewish people around the world were left shocked and deeply traumatized.”
He also laid a wreath at the Bondi Beach memorial site and met with victims’ families and survivors.
No immediate comment was issued by Herzog’s office or the Australian government on the protests.