An Australian 19-year-old has been charged over alleged online death threats said to target Israeli President Isaac Herzog ahead of his five-day visit to Australia. The Australian Federal Police say the messages, posted last month, relate to an offence that carries up to 10 years in prison. The accused was denied bail after police seized a mobile phone and drug-related equipment during a Sydney search. Herzog's visit, invited by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese after the Bondi Beach shooting that killed 15, has prompted planned protests and extended police restrictions in parts of Sydney.
19-Year-Old Charged Over Alleged Online Death Threats To Israeli President Ahead Of Visit
Israeli President Isaac Herzog attends the 56th annual World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Davos, Switzerland, January 22, 2026. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse
An Australian 19-year-old has been charged over alleged online death threats directed at Israeli President Isaac Herzog ahead of the president's planned visit to Australia, authorities said.
Charges and Allegations
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) said the man is accused of posting the threats last month on a social media platform "towards a foreign head of state and internationally protected person." The alleged offence carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Police did not name the intended target in their statement, but Australian media widely reported the messages were aimed at President Herzog; The Sydney Morning Herald also reported alleged threats against U.S. President Donald Trump.
Police Action and Court Appearance
The accused was refused police bail and is due to appear in a Sydney court on Thursday. During a search of a Sydney residence on Wednesday, officers seized a mobile phone and items described as equipment for making or using drugs.
A man holds a placard during a protest against Israeli President Isaac Herzog's upcoming visit to Australia, at Hyde Park, in Sydney, Australia, February 1, 2026. REUTERS/Flavio Brancaleone
Herzog's Visit And Context
President Herzog is scheduled to arrive in Australia on Sunday for a five-day visit after an invitation from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The invitation followed the deadly shooting at Bondi Beach on December 14, which occurred during a Jewish Hanukkah event and left 15 people dead. Herzog is expected to meet survivors and relatives of the victims during his visit.
Public Reaction And Security
The visit has prompted opposition from pro-Palestine groups, and protests are planned in major Australian cities. New South Wales police on Tuesday extended restrictions on protests in parts of Sydney ahead of Herzog's arrival, citing what they described as "significant animosity" from some groups.
Palestine Action Group has called for a rally in Sydney urging supporters to march to the New South Wales state parliament in what it described as a "mass, peaceful gathering."
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles told ABC News that Herzog would receive the standard security protections afforded to visiting foreign leaders. "He will be a welcomed and honoured guest," Marles said.
Reporting by Renju Jose in Sydney; Editing by Stephen Coates.
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