Large-scale protests erupted across several Australian cities on Monday against the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who is currently on a multi-city tour of the country.
Herzog arrived in Australia this week following an invitation from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, in the aftermath of a deadly shooting at a Hanukkah gathering at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on December 14 last year, in which 15 people were killed. Australian officials have said the visit is aimed at expressing solidarity with the country’s Jewish community after the attack.
However, the visit has triggered strong opposition from pro-Palestinian groups and human rights activists, who accuse the Israeli president of responsibility for civilian casualties in Gaza and argue that the visit overlooks the ongoing humanitarian crisis faced by Palestinians.
Demonstrations were held in cities and towns nationwide after protest calls circulated on social media. In Sydney, thousands gathered at a central square in the business district, where speakers condemned Israel’s military actions in Gaza and voiced support for Palestine. Chants and placards demanding an end to the war echoed through the area as protesters called on Australian leaders to take a stronger stance.
One demonstrator, 30-year-old Sydney resident Jackson Elliott, said the Bondi Beach attack was a tragedy but criticised the Australian government for what he described as its silence on Palestinian suffering. He accused President Herzog of avoiding accountability over the occupation and said the visit was being framed as a routine diplomatic engagement while ignoring the broader conflict.
Similar protests were reported in other major cities, with organisers vowing to continue demonstrations throughout Herzog’s stay in Australia.
