Clashes between police and demonstrators protesting Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit erupted in central Sydney, resulting in 27 arrests and the use of tear gas and pepper spray. Authorities say 10 people were accused of assaulting officers and there were no reports of serious injuries. Protesters and some lawmakers accused police of excessive force, while state leaders and the police commissioner defended the actions as necessary amid a tense, volatile situation. Supporters planned a follow-up rally outside police headquarters.
Australian Leaders Urge Calm After Violent Sydney Clashes During Israeli President's Visit
Security personnel stand guard at 'An Evening of Light & Solidarity', during Israeli President Isaac Herzog's state visit to Australia, in Sydney, Australia, February 9, 2026. REUTERS/Hollie Adams
Australian political leaders and law enforcement appealed for restraint on Tuesday after clashes erupted between police and demonstrators opposing Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit in central Sydney.
New South Wales police said 27 people were arrested late on Monday, including 10 accused of assaulting officers, after police moved in to clear thousands of protesters gathered near Sydney's Town Hall. Authorities said there were no reports of serious injuries.
Police Action, Special Powers and Legal Challenge
Officers were authorized to use rarely invoked powers during the demonstration, including directing crowds, restricting access to designated areas and searching vehicles. A Sydney court on Monday dismissed a legal challenge to those restrictions. President Herzog was not at the protest site.
Broadcast footage showed officers forming lines to hold back parts of the crowd. Police used tear gas and pepper spray to disperse some demonstrators; mounted police were also deployed. Some protesters were seen lying on the ground while officers applied restraints.
Allegations of Excessive Force
Protesters and critics, including the Palestine Action Group Sydney, alleged heavy-handed tactics. The group said protesters were surrounded and unable to leave, and accused police of charging the crowd on horseback, indiscriminately using pepper spray, punching and making arrests.
"The police began charging the crowd with horses, indiscriminately pepper spraying the crowd, punching and arresting people," the Palestine Action Group said.
Abigail Boyd, an opposition Green lawmaker in the New South Wales parliament, said she was punched by officers while trying to leave the demonstration. "I have a very sore arm and shoulder where they punched me. I'm really in shock," she told reporters.
Officials Defend Response
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he was "devastated" by the violence and urged people to protest peacefully, emphasizing that Australians do not want conflict brought onto domestic streets. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns defended police, saying officers had to make split-second decisions in a tense and rapidly evolving situation.
New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said the force acted to "hold the line" and disperse the crowd, arguing that officers showed restraint in the face of what he described as an "angry and violent mob." Police maintain most arrests were for public order offenses and alleged assaults on officers.
Josh Lees, head of Palestine Action Group Sydney, said supporters planned to rally outside the city's police headquarters on Tuesday evening in response to Monday's clashes.
Reporting by Renju Jose in Sydney; edited by Lincoln Feast.
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