Sydney, Australia, February 9, 2026 — Police deployed pepper spray against pro-Palestine demonstrators Monday during protests sparked by a visit from Israeli President Isaac Herzog, with at least 15 arrests reported.
Herzog’s Visit to Australia Met With Heated Protests
Demonstrations erupted in Sydney and Melbourne, as activists condemn Herzog’s presence and call for an end to Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory.
- Thousands gathered in Sydney’s business district and Melbourne’s city center to protest Herzog’s visit.
- Police used pepper spray and made arrests during confrontations in Sydney.
- Protesters allege Herzog has incited genocide against Palestinians, a claim he denies.
- New South Wales authorities recently expanded police powers related to protests.
What’s the core of this conflict? Protesters are voicing strong opposition to Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit to Australia, citing concerns over his role in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and what they describe as the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza.
Clashes Erupt in Sydney
A journalist from AFP witnessed the use of pepper spray by police against protesters in Sydney on Monday. The confrontation resulted in the arrest of at least 15 demonstrators, and media personnel covering the event were also affected by the spray. Despite a court rejecting a challenge by Palestine Action Group organizers to a police order restricting their march from Sydney’s Town Hall to the New South Wales Parliament, thousands still assembled in the city’s business district, with further protests planned throughout the evening.
Melbourne Joins the Demonstrations
Simultaneous protests unfolded in Melbourne, with approximately 5,000 participants gathering outside Flinders Street Railway Station. The group marched several blocks to the State Library, disrupting peak-hour traffic, police reported.
Accusations and Responses
Activists contend that Herzog should not be shielded from protest, accusing him of inciting genocide against Palestinians, a charge leveled by a United Nations commission of inquiry. Amnesty International’s Australia chapter released a statement condemning Herzog’s visit, arguing it “undermines Australia’s commitment to accountability and justice.”
“President Herzog has unleashed immense suffering on Palestinians in Gaza for over two years – brazenly and with total impunity,” the organization stated.
Herzog, however, characterized the protests as attempts to “undermine and delegitimise” Israel’s right to exist.
Bondi Beach Remembrance and Political Response
Earlier Monday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called for respectful behavior during Herzog’s visit. He joined the president in a meeting with families affected by the December mass shooting at Bondi Beach. Herzog laid a wreath at Bondi Pavilion to honor the 15 victims of the Hanukkah celebration attack, describing it as an assault on Australian values.
“This was also an attack on all Australians,” Herzog said. “They attacked the values that our democracies treasure, the sanctity of human life, the freedom of religion, tolerance, dignity and respect.”
He added, “I’m here to express solidarity, friendship and love.”
Expanded Police Powers
New South Wales authorities recently enacted expanded police powers under new protest management legislation. A legal challenge to these measures by protesters was dismissed by the state’s Supreme Court just prior to the demonstrations.
Herzog’s four-day visit to Australia began with the Bondi Beach memorial. He also met with survivors and the families of victims.
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