Israeli President Isaac Herzog concluded his four-day trip to Australia on Thursday, 12 February 2026, amidst significant turmoil and widespread protests in Melbourne. The visit, which aimed to strengthen ties with the Australian Jewish community, was overshadowed by substantial demonstrations calling for Herzog’s arrest and condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Protests Erupt in Melbourne
As Herzog made his final stop in Melbourne, over 10,000 pro-Palestinian activists gathered outside Flinders Street Station. Demonstrators blocked trams and traffic in the Central Business District (CBD) while waving Palestinian flags and displaying placards that accused Herzog and the Israeli government of committing genocide—a claim that Israel vehemently denies.
Speakers at the rally were vocal in their criticism of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, arguing that Herzog’s visit lent legitimacy to Israel’s military actions. Victorian Greens MP Gabrielle De Vietri addressed the crowd, stating, “What is going on when the government is rolling out the red carpet for a member of a government that is committing genocide?” She urged that Australia, as a signatory to the Genocide Convention, should take a stand against such actions.
Heightened Security Measures
In light of the protests, Melbourne’s police maintained a robust presence throughout the city, particularly as Herzog attended a Jewish community event in Southbank. The president acknowledged the unusual security measures, remarking on the extensive police presence required to protect him while engaging with the public.
During the event, Herzog expressed his admiration for the Jewish community in Australia and reiterated his belief in the resilience of its members. However, he also deflected the protesters’ ire by suggesting they direct their grievances towards the Iranian embassy, highlighting the Iranian government’s oppressive actions against its own citizens.
Victoria Police implemented special counter-terrorism measures, granting officers the authority to search individuals and vehicles in designated areas. Deputy Commissioner Bob Hill explained that these precautions were not in response to a specific threat but were necessary to maintain order during the president’s visit.
Mixed Reactions from the Jewish Community
Herzog’s visit has elicited diverse reactions within the Australian Jewish community. While some organisations welcomed his presence, others, particularly the Jewish Council of Australia, voiced strong dissent. An open letter signed by hundreds of Australian Jews declared, “Herzog does not speak for us and is NOT WELCOME HERE.” The council’s executive officer, Sarah Schwartz, highlighted concerns that Herzog’s rhetoric has contributed to the ongoing violence against Palestinians.
Earlier in his trip, Herzog had commemorated the victims of a terrorist attack during a Jewish festival in Bondi Beach, where 15 individuals lost their lives in what remains Australia’s deadliest mass shooting in nearly three decades. This tragic background has further complicated public sentiment regarding Herzog’s visit.
Protests and Violence in Sydney
The protests were not limited to Melbourne; earlier in the week, Sydney also witnessed significant unrest. Demonstrations led to at least 27 arrests amidst allegations of excessive force by police. Clashes between protesters and law enforcement erupted near Sydney Town Hall, where thousands had gathered to voice their opposition to Herzog’s visit.
In Melbourne, demonstrators condemned the invitation extended to Herzog, asserting that it represented an endorsement of Israeli policies that many consider oppressive. Palestinian activist Muayad Ali encapsulated this sentiment by stating, “This is not f***ing diplomacy. This is normalisation of genocide.”
Why it Matters
The protests surrounding Herzog’s visit to Australia underscore the intense and polarising emotions that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues to evoke, even in distant lands. As global perspectives on human rights and international law evolve, such demonstrations reflect a growing demand for accountability from leaders perceived to be complicit in violence and oppression. This moment not only highlights the complexities within the Australian Jewish community but also reveals the broader implications of diplomatic relations in a world increasingly torn by ideological divides.
