Israeli President Herzog's Australian Visit: Solidarity, Controversy, and Protests
Israeli President Isaac Herzog visited Australia from February 8 to 12, a trip extended by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese following a terror attack in Bondi. The visit, intended to express solidarity with Australia's Jewish community and foster bilateral relations, occurred amidst widespread protests, legal challenges, and heightened security measures. Opponents cited allegations of incitement to genocide against President Herzog related to the Gaza conflict, which he denies, while supporters welcomed the visit as a message of unity.
The visit, intended to express solidarity with Australia's Jewish community and foster bilateral relations, occurred amidst widespread protests, legal challenges, and heightened security measures.
The Invitation and Its Purpose
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese extended the invitation to President Herzog on December 23, 2025, after a December 14 terror attack at a Bondi Beach Hanukkah festival resulted in 15 fatalities. The stated purposes of the visit included honoring victims, providing support to Jewish Australians, promoting unity and social cohesion, and strengthening the bilateral relationship between Australia and Israel.
President Herzog, who holds a largely ceremonial position as Israel's head of state, accepted the invitation. He planned meetings with Jewish communities, Governor-General Sam Mostyn, and Prime Minister Albanese. He did not address the federal parliament during his visit.
The visit took place against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where the Palestinian Ministry of Health reported over 70,000 Palestinian deaths since October 7, 2023. UNICEF also reported over 100 children killed in Gaza since a ceasefire in early October 2025.
Allegations and Legal Scrutiny Against President Herzog
UN Commission of Inquiry Findings
In September 2025, a UN Human Rights Council special commission of inquiry into the conflict in Gaza concluded that Israel was committing genocide. This commission, whose findings do not represent the official stance of the United Nations, also accused President Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and then-Defence Minister Yoav Gallant of "inciting the commission of genocide."
The commission cited a statement by President Herzog on October 13, 2023, following the Hamas attacks, where he said: "it is an entire nation out there that is responsible [for October 7]. It is not true, this rhetoric about civilians who were not aware or not involved. It is absolutely not true."
The commission noted that while these words did not expressly call for genocide, they "may reasonably be interpreted as incitement to the Israeli security forces personnel to target the Palestinians in Gaza as a group as being collectively culpable."
International Court of Justice (ICJ) Case
South Africa cited President Herzog's October 13, 2023, statement as evidence of genocidal intent in its case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. On January 26, 2024, the ICJ issued provisional orders requiring Israel to prevent genocidal acts and incitement, relying on statements by Herzog and other Israeli officials. The ICJ has not yet issued a final ruling in this case.
Herzog's Defense
President Herzog denied the allegations, stating his comments were taken out of context. He asserted that he also affirmed Israel's commitment to international law, condemned civilian casualties, and clarified that "many, many innocent Palestinians" do not support Hamas.
Israel's foreign ministry rejected the UN commission's report as "distorted and false," claiming it was based on "Hamas falsehoods." President Herzog referred to the ICJ genocide case as a "form of blood libel" and stated the UN had "exhibited moral bankruptcy" by accusing Israel of war crimes.
Other Allegations
In late 2023, President Herzog was photographed signing an Israeli artillery shell marked for Gaza with a Hebrew inscription translating to "I rely on you." In May 2025, he praised Israeli settlements in the West Bank as a "cornerstone of Zionism and Judaism" and "Israel’s defensive shield," also stating at Davos that it was "not realistic at all" for Israel to withdraw from West Bank settlements.
Legal and Diplomatic Considerations
Head of State Immunity
International law experts, including Donald Rothwell and Monique Cormier, affirmed that as a sitting head of state, President Herzog benefits from immunity from Australian law or prosecution for alleged crimes committed within or outside Australia. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) confirmed Herzog's diplomatic immunity and stated no active investigation into him. An Israeli official confirmed that Israel's justice ministry had assured Herzog and his delegation there was no threat of arrest.
Calls for Investigation
Labor Friends of Palestine advocated for a federal police investigation into President Herzog for alleged incitement to genocide. The Australian Centre for International Justice (ACIJ), along with Al-Haq, the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, and the Al Mezan Center for Human Rights, formally requested the AFP investigate Herzog. They argued that immunity should not apply to serious international crimes and would not prevent preliminary investigative steps.
The AFP confirmed it was "reviewing the material" related to the ACIJ complaint. Three additional organizations, including the Jewish Council of Australia, the Australian National Imams Council, and the Hind Rajab Foundation, also filed a complaint urging an investigation and refusal of entry.
Australian Legal Obligations
Monique Cormier noted a "possibility that Australia could be in breach of its obligations under the genocide convention to prevent and punish genocide" by hosting Herzog, but considered this unlikely to result in formal action. She also clarified that the AFP cannot investigate Herzog during his visit without the Attorney General's consent.
Doron Almog's Presence
Doron Almog, Chairman of the Jewish Agency for Israel, was part of President Herzog's entourage. Four legal organizations lodged a formal complaint with the AFP requesting an investigation into Almog for alleged historical war crimes, including allegations of ordering the destruction of Palestinian homes and implication in the al-Daraj bombing in 2002.
Almog denies these allegations, and a UK arrest warrant for him was previously withdrawn. The AFP referred the submission to its Special Investigations Command.
Unlike President Herzog, Almog does not possess diplomatic immunity.
Diverse Community and Political Responses
Support for the Visit
Mainstream Jewish community groups, including the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ), the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council (Aijac), the Zionist Federation of Australia, and the Australian Jewish Association, welcomed the visit. They described it as a "powerful message of solidarity and support," a "tremendous success," and a contribution to a "reset of the bilateral relationship."
Alex Ryvchin (ECAJ) stated the visit would provide "comfort to the families" affected by the Bondi incident. Shadow Foreign Minister Michaelia Cash also welcomed the visit, expressing disappointment regarding planned protests.
Opposition to the Visit
Several groups, including Labor Friends of Palestine, the Jewish Council of Australia (JCA), Jewish Voices of Inner Sydney, and Anti-Zionism Australia, called for the invitation to be withdrawn. These groups argued President Herzog's visit could "exacerbate racism and antisemitism," contending he is not a neutral head of state and is "implicated in an ongoing genocide."
Shamikh Badra, a Palestinian Australian who reported seven family members killed in Gaza, submitted a formal complaint regarding the visit to Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke. The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) condemned the invitation as a "grave moral failure" and a "direct insult" to those protesting Israel's military operations.
Independent MP Sophie Scamps and Labor MP Ed Husic also expressed discomfort, citing concerns about division and Herzog's statements, with Husic referencing "images... of him signing bombs." The JCA characterized Herzog's invitation as an "outrage" and published an open letter signed by over 600 individuals in two major Australian newspapers stating Herzog was "not welcome."
Foreign Minister Penny Wong acknowledged public sentiment regarding events in Gaza but emphasized the visit was focused on supporting the mourning Jewish community.
Protests and Police Response
Planned Protests
Pro-Palestinian groups, including the Palestine Action Group (PAG) and APAN, organized widespread protests against President Herzog's visit across Australia, with around 30 cities planning events. A major rally took place in Melbourne on January 11, 2026, where Nasser Mashni (APAN) criticized attempts to link pro-Palestine protests to the Bondi attack as "racist."
In Sydney, PAG planned a "national day of protest" with a march from Town Hall to state parliament for February 9, anticipating up to 5,000 attendees. Several NSW Labor backbenchers announced their intention to attend the Sydney protest.
Police Restrictions and Powers
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon extended a restriction on marching protests in designated areas for an additional 14 days, citing President Herzog's visit and the Bondi attack, meaning marches required authorization. The NSW government activated 'major event' legislation, granting police additional powers for crowd management, including directing people to move on, closing locations, and issuing directions to prevent disruption. Non-compliance could result in fines up to $5,500.
Police advocated for an alternative protest route from Hyde Park to Belmore Park, which PAG did not accept, insisting on the Town Hall to Parliament route. Over 3,000 police officers, some carrying rifles, were deployed across Sydney. NSW Premier Chris Minns supported police actions, expressing concern about potential conflict.
Legal Challenges to Restrictions
PAG initiated a Supreme Court challenge against the classification of President Herzog's visit as a "major event" and the extended protest restrictions. PAG argued the powers were disproportionate, vague, and undermined the legislation's purpose. Justice Natalie Adams of the NSW Supreme Court heard the challenge, ruling that "major event" powers would remain. The broader protest ban legislation is also subject to a constitutional challenge with a court date set for February 26.
Protest Incidents and Arrests
During President Herzog's visit to Bondi, a pro-Palestinian protester received a "move on" direction under the Major Events Act after yelling at Herzog. The protester was briefly arrested and prohibited from specific areas for three days.
In Sydney, thousands assembled at Town Hall. Police reported that a segment attempted to march beyond the designated protest area, leading to altercations. Twenty-seven individuals were arrested, and nine were subsequently charged with assault and public order offenses. Videos circulated depicting confrontations between police and protesters. Premier Minns stated that "All circumstances will be investigated," noting officers were equipped with body cameras. PAG condemned what it described as a "brutal attack" by NSW Police.
Herzog's Response to Protests
President Herzog stated his visit was made "in good will" and that demonstrations often seek "to undermine and delegitimise our right... of its mere existence." He suggested protesters direct demonstrations towards the Iranian embassy, citing Iran's responsibility for civilian deaths.
Broader Context and Outcomes
Antisemitism and Social Cohesion
The invitation to President Herzog has been noted as potentially intensifying debates concerning antisemitism, Zionism, and criticism of Israel, potentially blurring the distinction between Jewish Australians and the state of Israel. Some Jewish community members asserted that anti-Zionism or criticism of Israeli government actions is equated with antisemitism.
After the Bondi attack, the government announced new gun laws, stricter hate speech regulations, and enhanced powers for the home affairs minister to cancel visas. President Herzog characterized the global increase in antisemitism as a "global emergency."
Related Incidents
In Melbourne, the Adelaide Festival removed Palestinian author Dr. Randa Abdel-Fattah from its Writers' Week line-up due to "cultural sensitivity" following the Bondi incident. Abdel-Fattah had criticized Zionists and stated she did not view Hamas as a terrorist organization.
Visit Conclusion
President Herzog concluded his address to Melbourne’s Jewish community, stating his intention to return to Israel with hope, having observed the resilience of Australian Jews. He noted the extensive police protection required during his public appearances. He expressed a diplomatic objective to initiate "a new beginning and a better future" for relations between the two nations, which was understood to reference Australia's recognition of the state of Palestine last year.