Australian Leaders Call for Calm After Sydney Protests Turn Violent

Australian political leaders have urged calm and called for peaceful demonstrations after protests opposing Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit to Australia escalated into violent clashes with police in central Sydney. The unrest has sparked national debate over protest rights, public safety, and rising tensions surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Police confirmed that 27 people were arrested during the incident, including 10 individuals accused of assaulting officers. The clashes occurred on Monday evening when demonstrators refused to leave a designated protest area, prompting police to move in to reopen pedestrian access. New South Wales police said no serious injuries were reported, despite the volatile scenes.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he was “devastated” by the violence and emphasized that while Australians support free expression, protests must remain peaceful. Speaking to radio station Triple M, Albanese said Australians want an end to violence overseas but do not want international conflicts spilling onto Australian streets. He added that violent confrontations undermine the causes protesters aim to advance.

Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Sydney to oppose Herzog’s visit, which comes amid heightened sensitivities following a deadly mass shooting at a Jewish religious event in Bondi Beach in December that left 15 people dead. Although Herzog was not present at the protest site, police had been granted rarely used powers to control the crowd, including directing movement, restricting access to areas, and searching vehicles. A legal challenge against these measures was dismissed by a Sydney court on Monday.

Television footage showed protesters pushing against police blockades, with officers using pepper spray, tear gas, and mounted units to disperse the crowd. Some demonstrators were seen on the ground as police attempted to restrain them.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns defended the police response, stating officers were forced to make rapid decisions in an intense and dangerous environment. Police officials said they were significantly outnumbered and acted with restraint. Meanwhile, the Palestine Action Group Sydney claimed protesters were surrounded and unable to leave, accusing police of excessive force.