Israeli President Isaac Herzog arrived in Sydney, Australia, on Monday for an official state visit amid tight security and calls for protests from pro-Palestinian and human rights groups, Anadolu reports.

Soon after his arrival, Herzog visited Bondi Beach, where he laid a wreath outside the pavilion in honor of the 15 victims of the mass shooting that occurred during a Hanukkah celebration on December 14. 2025, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported.

The terrorist attack occurred when two gunmen opened fire.

Addressing the media, Herzog condemned “the spread of anti-Semitism as a global emergency”.

Security in Sydney has been beefed up, with roads closed at several points and more than 3,000 police officers deployed.

Pro-Palestinian groups are are planning protests across Australia on Monday afternoon against Herzog’s visit.

A UN Human Rights Council special commission of inquiry into the war in the Gaza Strip found last year that Israel was committing genocide and said comments made by Herzog after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack were evidence of genocidal intent.

Police have been negotiating with protesters, they were asked to divert outside a restricted area in the heart of Sydney.

Protesters have denied the request and insist they will gather at Sydney City Hall before marching on the New South Wales parliament.

The New South Wales state government declared Herzog’s visit a major event, giving police extra powers to close off designated areas and order people to leave.

The Palestine Action Group has launched a Supreme Court challenge against the declaration, arguing that the powers are excessive, unjustified and illegal. The hearing is still ongoing.

“Instead of protecting human rights, the New South Wales government is using emergency-style powers to shield a visiting head of state from public scrutiny and accountability,” said the group’s spokesman Josh Lees.

Meanwhile, the Progressive Jewish Council of Australia launched a major advertising campaign in major Australian newspapers on Monday, expressing opposition to the official visit by Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

The council released an open letter signed by over 1,000 Australian Jewish academics, legal professionals, artists and community leaders, asking Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to withdraw his invitation.

Other Jewish groups welcomed Herzog’s visit. Alex Ryvchin, co-executive director of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, said it would boost the morale of the Jewish community.

Source: prizrenpost