Australian authorities have warned protesters to avoid clashes as Israeli President Isaac Herzog visits Sydney on Monday to honour victims of the December 14 Bondi Beach mass shooting that killed 15 people. New South Wales has declared the visit a “major event” and will deploy a large police presence to minimise confrontation. The visit is welcomed by many Jewish leaders but has prompted nationwide pro-Palestinian protest calls; Amnesty and some human rights figures have urged investigations into alleged war crimes while federal police say Herzog has “full immunity.”
Sydney Braces for Protests as Israeli President Visits to Honor Bondi Beach Victims
Police in Sydney will deploy in force for Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit (DAVID GRAY)(DAVID GRAY/AFP/AFP)
Australian authorities have warned demonstrators to avoid street violence as Israeli President Isaac Herzog visits Sydney on Monday to pay respects to victims of the December 14 Bondi Beach mass shooting that left 15 people dead.
Police say they will deploy in large numbers for the presidential visit, and New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has urged calm and civility to prevent clashes in the city's streets.
“It's really important that there's no clashes or violence on the streets in Sydney,” Minns told reporters. “Our clear message is... that we're hoping that people can remain calm and respectful during that presidential visit.”
Minns also promised a “massive policing presence” across central Sydney on Monday afternoon. State police have declared the visit a “major event,” a designation that gives authorities powers to separate groups and reduce the risk of confrontation.
Herzog's Message and Community Reaction
Herzog said he will “express solidarity and offer strength” to Australia's Jewish community during a four-day visit beginning Monday. Many Jewish leaders have welcomed the trip as an important show of support.
“His visit will lift the spirits of a pained community,” said Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry.
Protests and Legal Controversies
Pro-Palestinian activists have called for rallies nationwide, including in parts of central Sydney where police have declined to authorize demonstrations under new powers introduced after the Bondi Beach attack.
Amnesty International Australia has urged supporters to rally for an end to what it calls the “genocide” of Palestinians and has called for investigations into alleged war crimes. High-profile human rights lawyer Chris Sidoti, a member of a UN-established inquiry, urged that Herzog’s invitation be withdrawn or that he be arrested on arrival.
The UN's Independent International Commission of Inquiry — cited in coverage of the matter — concluded in 2025 that Herzog "incited the commission of genocide" by saying all Palestinians were responsible for the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack. Australia’s federal police told lawmakers they received legal advice that Herzog enjoys “full immunity” covering civil and criminal matters, and have ruled out arrest on arrival.
Background: The Bondi Beach Attack
Authorities say the alleged Bondi Beach gunman, Sajid Akram, 50, was shot and killed by police during the December 14 attack at a Hanukkah celebration. Akram is reported to have entered Australia on a visa in 1998. His 24-year-old son, Naveed, an Australian-born citizen who remains in custody, has been charged with terrorism and 15 counts of murder.
The federal and state governments face criticism from some quarters for their handling of threats to Jewish Australians in the lead-up to the attack, amid a documented increase in antisemitic incidents since 2023.
Authorities in Sydney plan large-scale policing and crowd-control measures aimed at preventing violence during the visit, while debate continues over diplomatic immunity, potential accountability for alleged wartime conduct and the right to protest.
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