Legal Groups Urge AFP To Investigate Israeli President Herzog Over Alleged Incitement Ahead Of Planned Sydney Visit

Three legal organisations—the Australian Centre for International Justice (ACIJ) and the Palestinian human rights groups Al-Haq and Al Mezan—have formally asked the Australian Federal Police (AFP) to open an investigation into Israeli President Isaac Herzog. The groups say they have submitted a 10-page dossier urging the AFP to consider allegations of incitement to genocide and advocacy of genocide tied to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza that began on October 7, 2023.

Allegations and Legal Basis

The submission, the organisations say, outlines specific statements and actions by Herzog that they believe may meet the threshold for international crimes, and sets out Australia’s obligations under international and domestic law if domestic accountability has not occurred.

"Where credible international findings indicate incitement to genocide and where domestic accountability has not occurred, Australia has both the legal authority and responsibility to act," said Rawan Arraf, executive director of the ACIJ.

Shawan Jabarin, general director of Al-Haq, described remarks attributed to Herzog that there are "no uninvolved civilians in Gaza" and pointed to the heavy civilian toll reported in the territory. The groups' submission also repeats claims—made by the organisations—that large numbers of children and infants have died and alleges damage to medical facilities, including an IVF clinic; these claims are presented in the dossier as allegations and reported figures cited by the groups.

Planned Visit And Public Reaction

According to The Times of Israel, Herzog is scheduled to visit Sydney on February 7 after receiving an invitation from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The invitation followed a mass shooting at a Jewish event in Bondi Beach that left 15 people dead. Mr Albanese said the visit was intended "to honour and remember victims of the Bondi anti-Semitic terrorist attack and provide support for Jewish Australians and the Australian Jewish community at this time."

Not all community leaders backed the invitation. Ohad Kozminsky, an executive member of the Jewish Council of Australia, told SBS that Herzog's visit "will only inflame tensions and exacerbate division in our community," citing concerns over his role as head of a state whose actions have been widely criticised.

Broader Political Context

In the wake of the Bondi attack, Australia’s federal parliament moved quickly to pass tougher gun laws and a package of hate-speech reforms. The Jewish Council of Australia said some of the most contentious provisions were removed before passage, but warned that other elements remained, including what it described as "enhanced ministerial powers to deport migrants based on arbitrary decision-making." The council also said a petition calling on political leaders not to "weaponise Jewish grief" had gathered some 60,000 signatures.

What Comes Next

The AFP has been asked to consider the 10-page submission and to assess whether the allegations warrant formal inquiry under Australian law and international obligations. The request places the government in a position of balancing diplomatic engagements and legal responsibilities while managing community concerns about safety and social cohesion.