Sydney Braces for Pro-Palestine Protests During Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s Visit

Sydney is preparing for large-scale pro-Palestine protests as Israeli President Isaac Herzog visits Australia, prompting authorities to declare the trip a major event and deploy thousands of police across the city. Demonstrators are expected to rally on Monday in opposition to Herzog’s visit, which has sparked strong reactions from activist groups and sections of the Jewish community.

New South Wales Police have urged protesters to gather at a central Sydney park, citing public safety and crowd management concerns. However, protest organisers have stated they intend to assemble at Sydney’s historic Town Hall, a move that has heightened tensions between authorities and demonstrators. In response, police have been granted rarely used powers, including the authority to separate and relocate crowds, restrict access to certain areas, order people to leave designated zones, and search vehicles if required.

NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna said officers have been in close contact with protest organisers and hope extraordinary powers will not need to be used. He emphasized that public safety remains the priority, noting that around 3,000 police personnel will be deployed across Australia’s largest city to ensure the safety of all community members.

Herzog’s visit follows an invitation from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese after a deadly shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach during a Jewish Hanukkah celebration in December, which claimed the lives of 15 people. During his visit, Herzog is expected to meet survivors and families affected by the attack.

Jewish community leaders have welcomed the visit, with the Executive Council of Australian Jewry stating it will help lift the spirits of a grieving community. However, opposition has been strong from pro-Palestine groups, who are planning protests in multiple Australian cities. The Palestine Action Group has launched a legal challenge against protest restrictions and called for Herzog’s arrest, citing findings from a UN Commission of Inquiry.

Adding to the controversy, the Jewish Council of Australia released an open letter signed by more than 1,000 Jewish Australian academics and community leaders, urging the prime minister to withdraw Herzog’s invitation.