Israeli President Isaac Herzog arrived in Sydney, Australia, on Monday for an official state visit amid tight security. Police have deployed over 3,000 officers, with road closures and restricted areas in place. Pro-Palestinian groups are planning nationwide protests against his visit.
Soon after arrival, Herzog visited Bondi Beach to lay a wreath in tribute to 15 victims of a Hanukkah mass shooting in December 2025. He condemned antisemitism as a “global emergency” and paid respects to the victims of the attack.
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Protesters plan to gather at Sydney Town Hall and march to the New South Wales parliament despite police requests to alter their route. Authorities granted emergency powers to manage the protests, prompting a Supreme Court challenge by the Palestine Action Group.
The protest has drawn attention from various groups. The Progressive Jewish Council of Australia launched a newspaper campaign opposing Herzog’s visit, signed by over 1,000 community leaders. Meanwhile, other Jewish organizations welcomed the visit, saying it would lift community morale.
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Herzog’s visit comes amid heightened scrutiny of Israel’s actions in Gaza. A UN Human Rights Council inquiry last year cited evidence of genocide and referenced Herzog’s statements after the Hamas attacks of October 2023. Security and political tensions remain high throughout Sydney.