A heated debate has erupted over the upcoming visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog to Australia, with a growing chorus of voices calling for the cancellation of his invitation. This controversy comes in the wake of the tragic Bondi terror attack, which left a deep scar on the nation's psyche.
Herzog's planned visit in February has sparked concerns, with pro-Palestinian groups gearing up for nationwide protests to highlight the civilian death toll in Israel's war on Gaza. The Labor Party's Friends of Palestine group has reiterated its call for the government to rescind the invitation, a sentiment echoed by independent MP Sophie Scamps, who warns that the visit could further divide the nation.
The visit was initially extended by the Albanese government following the December shooting at a Bondi Hanukah festival, which resulted in 15 deaths. Herzog's spokesperson confirmed his travel plans for early February, with a focus on visiting Jewish communities.
However, the Palestine Action Group has announced a "national day of protest" to voice their dissent. Federal Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi has criticized the government for welcoming a leader of a state accused of ongoing genocide. Scamps, representing northern Sydney, has added her concerns, emphasizing the need for unity and safety for the Jewish community in the aftermath of the Bondi attack.
The Palestinian death toll in the Israel-Gaza conflict has surpassed 70,000, according to Gaza's health ministry. Israeli forces have killed at least 425 Palestinians in Gaza since the current ceasefire agreement, a stark reminder of the ongoing tensions.
Scamps draws attention to the United Nations commission's conclusion in 2025, which stated that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza. This commission, while not officially representing the UN, accused Herzog, along with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and then-Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, of inciting genocide.
Israel's foreign ministry has vehemently rejected this report, labeling it "distorted and false" and claiming it relies on Hamas propaganda. Herzog has also dismissed the separate genocide case against Israel in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as a "form of blood libel," emphasizing his commitment to respecting international law and condemning the killing of innocent civilians.
The ICJ's final ruling is still pending.
Scamps argues that inviting a foreign leader accused of inciting genocide risks deeply dividing the Australian community. She believes the visit could heighten tensions and further fracture social cohesion, especially in the wake of the Bondi attack. Shadow Foreign Minister Michaelia Cash has expressed the opposition's welcome of the visit, while Multicultural Affairs Minister Anne Aly has described the invitation as a matter of protocol after such a tragic event.
In a press conference, Albanese welcomed Herzog's visit, highlighting the need for unity and social cohesion in the country. He acknowledged Anne Aly's statement, which emphasized the potential for unity through this visit.
The Palestine Action Group's Sydney march at Town Hall will face restrictions, as police have effectively banned demonstrations in certain parts of the CBD following the Bondi terror attack. NSW Premier Chris Minns has not ruled out extending these restrictions to cover the planned rally, emphasizing the need for a safe visit for all involved.
Josh Lees of the Palestine Action Group has vowed that thousands will gather in cities across the country to protest Herzog's visit, calling for his arrest and investigation for alleged war crimes, including incitement of genocide in Gaza.
