Herzog’s visit divides Australia — mourning victims, protesting Gaza.

Israel’s President Herzog Visits Australia Amid Mourning and Mass Protests Over Gaza War

Brisbane / Sydney — Israeli President Isaac Herzog is set to arrive in Australia on Monday to attend memorial events for victims of an antisemitic massacre, but his visit is unfolding amid deep political tension and nationwide protests fueled by anger over Israel’s war in Gaza.

Herzog will receive two sharply contrasting receptions: a warm welcome from the Australian government and Jewish community leaders seeking solidarity after tragedy, and large-scale protests from activists who accuse him of being complicit in war crimes.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese invited Herzog as a gesture of unity with Jewish Australians after 15 people were killed during a Hanukkah festival near Sydney’s Bondi Beach, the deadliest terror attack in Australian history. The massacre shocked the nation and prompted renewed calls for social cohesion.

However, the invitation has stirred controversy. Many Australians argue that hosting the head of state of Israel — a country accused internationally of genocide in Gaza, a charge Israel denies — sends the wrong message. Some activists have even demanded Herzog’s arrest upon arrival.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong defended the decision, saying the visit is about supporting a grieving community, not endorsing war.

“I really do understand the depth of feeling about this visit and what we’ve seen in Gaza over the last two years. But this visit is about a mourning Jewish community, and Australians should remember that,” Wong told ABC Radio.

 Protests Planned Across Australia

Like many countries, Australia has seen sharp polarization over the Gaza war. Herzog’s visit has intensified those divisions, with protests planned in up to 30 cities nationwide.

The largest demonstration is expected outside Sydney Town Hall, where organizers predict around 5,000 pro-Palestinian protesters despite tightened protest restrictions imposed after the Bondi massacre.

Police warned demonstrators they risk arrest if they move beyond designated protest areas. Still, protest organizer Josh Lees from the Palestinian Action Group said the movement would not be intimidated.

“We will be there in huge numbers for a peaceful protest to say Herzog is not welcome,” Lees posted on Instagram.

Major Jewish organizations, including the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) and the Australian Jewish Association, strongly support Herzog’s visit and condemn the protests.

Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of ECAJ, described Herzog as a dignified leader.

“President Herzog is a patriot who has had to comfort families, police and first responders after terror attacks many times. He will know how to fortify our community in its darkest time,” Ryvchin said.

 UN Scrutiny and Legal Questions

Although Herzog’s role as president is largely ceremonial, he has been drawn into international legal controversy. Israel’s Gaza campaign, launched after Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack, has killed more than 70,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.

In 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.

In September, a UN inquiry commission went further, accusing Netanyahu, Gallant, and Herzog of having “incited the commission of genocide.”

The commission cited Herzog’s statement shortly after October 7, when he said “an entire nation” was responsible for Hamas’ attack. Investigators said such language could be interpreted as collective punishment against Palestinians.

Herzog dismissed the UN report as illegitimate and has denied blaming all Palestinians.

UN commissioner Chris Sidoti, a former Australian human rights official, argued Australia has a moral obligation to detain Herzog, though he acknowledged it is unlikely.

“He would not be attempting this trip without assurances he would not be arrested,” Sidoti said.

Australia’s Federal Police confirmed Herzog is protected by diplomatic immunity during the state visit.

 Controversy Over Herzog’s Entourage

Legal pressure also surrounds Herzog’s delegation. One member, Doron Almog, chairman of the Jewish Agency and a former Israeli general, is the subject of a complaint filed with Australian police by several legal and human rights groups.

Unlike Herzog, Almog does not hold diplomatic immunity, and lawyers argue he could face investigation for alleged war crimes. Almog previously canceled a trip to South Africa over similar arrest fears.

Israeli officials say their justice ministry assured Herzog there is no threat of arrest for anyone in the delegation.

 ‘This Does Not Make Jews Safer’

Ahead of his arrival, Herzog told The Australian newspaper he plans to confront what he called “lies and false information” about Israel during the visit.

Yet critics argue the trip risks inflaming tensions rather than easing them. Pro-Palestinian activists say hosting Israeli leaders while Gaza remains under bombardment sends the wrong signal.

As Australia tries to balance mourning, diplomacy, and protest, Herzog’s visit underscores how deeply the Gaza war continues to divide societies far beyond the Middle East.