Thousands of Australians took to the streets on Monday to protest the official visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog, accusing him of complicity in civilian deaths in Gaza and calling for an end to Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories. Demonstrations were held simultaneously in Sydney and Melbourne, highlighting growing public dissent. In Sydney, police used pepper spray to disperse pro-Palestinian protesters. At least 15 demonstrators were arrested, and journalists covering the event were also affected. A 20-year-old woman faced potential charges after allegedly burning flags and

Thousands of Australians took to the streets on Monday to protest the official visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog, accusing him of complicity in civilian deaths in Gaza and calling for an end to Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories. Demonstrations were held simultaneously in Sydney and Melbourne, highlighting growing public dissent. In Sydney, police used pepper spray to disperse pro-Palestinian protesters. At least 15 demonstrators were arrested, and journalists covering the event were also affected. A 20-year-old woman faced potential charges after allegedly burning flags and causing minor fire damage at a tram stop. Despite a court ruling restricting their march, protesters gathered in Sydney’s business district, defying the ban. Melbourne saw around 5,000 people rally outside Flinders Street Railway Station before marching several blocks to the State Library, blocking evening traffic. Protesters demanded that Herzog, whom a United Nations commission of inquiry found responsible for inciting genocide against Palestinians, not be treated as immune to public criticism. “President Herzog has unleashed immense suffering on Palestinians in Gaza for over two years – brazenly and with total impunity,” said Amnesty International Australia. “Welcoming him as an official guest undermines Australia’s commitment to accountability and justice.” Herzog, in turn, characterised the protests as attempts to “undermine and delegitimise” Israel’s right to exist. Earlier, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged respectful behaviour during Herzog’s visit, noting he would accompany the president to meet families of the victims of the December Bondi Beach mass shooting, which killed 15 people during a Hanukkah celebration. During his four-day visit, Herzog laid a wreath at Bondi Pavilion and met survivors and victims’ families. “This was also an attack on all Australians,” he said, calling it an assault on democratic values, human life, and religious freedom.

Sydney police use pepper spray on protesters at Town Hall Square.

New South Wales authorities had classified Herzog’s visit as a major event, authorising extensive police powers, including crowd control, area restrictions, and vehicle searches. These powers were invoked to manage the protests, with police using pepper spray and tear gas to maintain order. Herzog’s visit has sparked nationwide protests, with pro-Palestinian groups expressing their anger over civilian deaths in Gaza, reaffirming that the visit has become a focal point for wider criticism of Israel’s policies.

Protesters march through Melbourne streets demanding an end to Israeli occupation

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