Pro-Palestinian Groups Prepare Nationwide Protests Against Israeli President’s Visit to Australia

Sydney:
Pro-Palestinian organisations across Australia are preparing coordinated nationwide protests against the upcoming visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog, despite temporary restrictions imposed on public gatherings by authorities, according to Qatar-based broadcaster Al Jazeera.
The Palestine Advocacy Network Australia said in a statement that Herzog should not be treated as an official guest, describing him as the head of a government accused of committing genocide in Gaza. Amnesty International Australia has expressed solidarity with the call, arguing that hosting Herzog as a state guest calls into question Australia’s commitment to justice and accountability.
President Herzog is scheduled to arrive in Sydney on Monday to attend a memorial event for 15 people killed in a shooting during the Jewish festival of Hanukkah at Bondi Beach last December. Citing heightened security concerns, the New South Wales government has imposed restrictions on protests in several central areas of Sydney.
However, protest organisers have vowed to proceed with a rally at Sydney Town Hall and plan to march towards Macquarie Street, an area currently under protest restrictions. Demonstrations have also been announced in Melbourne, Perth, and the capital Canberra, indicating nationwide opposition to the Israeli president’s visit.
The Progressive Jewish Council of Australia, a pro-Palestinian Jewish organisation, has also opposed the visit, stating that the tragedy of the Bondi Beach shooting should not be used to legitimise an Israeli leader facing allegations of serious human rights violations. Several civil society organisations have filed legal petitions urging authorities to deny Herzog a visa.
Australian human rights lawyer Chris Sidoti has publicly called for Herzog’s arrest, though the federal police rejected the demand, stating that he enjoys full legal immunity as a sitting head of state. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has urged protesters to exercise restraint and focus on national unity, citing the sensitive and tragic context of the visit.
Protest organisers, however, argue that claims of immunity should not shield Herzog from public accountability. Citing a United Nations investigation, they allege that the Israeli president incited acts of genocide. Since October 2023, at least 71,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed in Israel’s war on Gaza, with many more feared missing under the rubble, pushing the actual death toll even higher.