Sydney Clashes Erupt Over Israeli President’s Visit

Sydney police arrested 27 people after clashes with thousands of protesters near the city’s town hall on Monday evening. The unrest happened during Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s four-day visit to Australia, invited by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Demonstrators opposed the trip, citing Israel’s actions in Gaza, while Herzog came to address anti-Semitism after a terror shooting at Bondi Beach in December that killed 15 people.

Background

Herzog arrived in Australia this week under heavy security. His schedule includes stops in Sydney, Canberra, and Melbourne. On Tuesday, he visited Moriah War Memorial College, a Jewish school in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, where he met 1,500 students. He plans to speak at the International Convention Centre about rising anti-Semitism. The visit follows the Bondi Hanukkah event attack on December 14, where a gunman opened fire, killing 15 and shocking the nation.

Protests started across Australia on Monday evening, organized by pro-Palestine groups. In Sydney, thousands gathered in central areas, holding signs that called Herzog unwelcome. Tensions built as police set up barriers and used special powers to control the crowd. These powers let officers direct people to move, limit access to zones, and search vehicles. A court in Sydney rejected a challenge to these rules earlier that day.

The visit has split opinions. Some see it as a chance to fight hate after Bondi. Others view Herzog as linked to deaths in Gaza and say he should not come. Protests happened in other cities too, but Sydney saw the biggest turnout and trouble.

Key Details

Violence broke out when police moved to clear protesters after the rally. Officers used tear gas and pepper spray. Footage showed people pushing against barriers, some lying on the ground as police held them back. Horses charged into the crowd at points, and arrests followed.

Injuries and Arrests

A 69-year-old woman ended up in hospital with four broken vertebrae after police contact. New South Wales police said no serious injuries overall, but protesters reported hits and sprays. They arrested 27, with 10 for assaulting officers. One lawmaker from the Greens, Abigail Boyd, said officers punched her while she tried to leave.

"I have a very sore arm and shoulder where they punched me. I'm really in shock." – Abigail Boyd, Greens lawmaker

Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said officers showed restraint. They held the line against an angry crowd marching at them.

Protesters from the Palestine Action Group Sydney said police trapped them, then charged with horses and sprayed everyone. Group leader Josh Lees plans a rally outside police headquarters Tuesday evening.

State Premier Chris Minns backed the police. He said they faced a hard spot and had to act fast.

Herzog spoke at the school Tuesday about the protests. He said the silent majority of Australians want to hear the truth, not lies from those cursing his nation.

What This Means

Australian leaders pushed for calm on Tuesday. Prime Minister Albanese said he felt devastated by the violence. He told radio listeners that Australians want the killing to stop in Israel and Palestine, but not conflict brought home. He added that such scenes hurt the protesters’ causes.

The clashes highlight deep divides over the Middle East conflict. Herzog’s visit aims to build ties after Bondi and fight anti-Semitism. Yet it sparked anger from those who link him to Gaza, where thousands have died since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. That day saw 1,200 killed and 251 taken hostage.

A UN commission last year said Herzog could face charges for inciting genocide over comments blaming all Palestinians for the Hamas attack. Israel rejected the report as false.

Police expect more protests during Herzog’s stay. He will meet Bondi first responders and head to Canberra. Leaders from both sides urge peace to avoid worse trouble. The events test Australia’s balance on free speech, security, and foreign ties.

Protesters plan to keep rallying. Police prepare with extra powers. Herzog presses on with his message of goodwill, saying he came to connect, not fight. The next days will show if talks or more clashes follow.