Sydney, Australia — Israeli President Isaac Herzog was met with contrasting reactions during his visit to Australia on Monday. While government officials extended a warm welcome to show solidarity with a grieving Jewish community, protests erupted as activists labeled him a war criminal amidst heightened tensions surrounding Israel’s actions in Gaza.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese invited Herzog following a devastating terror attack during a Hanukkah festival near Sydney’s Bondi Beach that claimed 15 lives, marking Australia’s deadliest act of terrorism. In the aftermath, the government prioritized social cohesion, but Herzog’s visit sparked backlash. Many Australians expressed anger, and some even called for his arrest, given the allegations of genocide against Israel’s military operations.

After arriving in Sydney, Herzog paid his respects by laying a wreath at Bondi Pavilion, near the site of the attack. Meanwhile, protests against his visit were underway, with legal battles occurring over protest rights in light of new governmental restrictions. Activists have planned as many as 30 demonstrations across the country in response to the visit.

The demonstrations outside Sydney Town Hall saw thousands gather, accompanied by a substantial police presence. Prominent Jewish organizations in Australia, such as the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, condemned the protests and expressed support for Herzog. However, the Jewish Council of Australia critiqued the government’s invitation, suggesting that it risks conflating Jewish identity with the actions of the Israeli state.

Yvonne, a survivor of the Bondi Beach shooting, shared that Herzog’s presence provided her with comfort. She emphasized that his visit symbolized support from Israel during a time of tremendous grief and fear.

As Israel’s head of state, Herzog holds a ceremonial role, distinct from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been accused of war crimes following military operations in Gaza. The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and a former defense minister in 2024, citing alleged war crimes. Additionally, a UN commission defined Herzog’s remarks regarding collective Palestinian responsibility as incitement to violence against civilians, sparking further controversy surrounding his visit.

The Australian Federal Police confirmed Herzog’s protection under diplomatic immunity, minimizing concerns about his potential arrest. Nevertheless, scrutiny continues regarding the legal and ethical implications of his presence, with calls for the country to confront its policies amidst ongoing conflict exacerbating social divisions.

Despite the overwhelming support from certain Jewish groups, the reaction to Herzog’s visit remains polarized. Some individuals within the Jewish community argued that the government’s actions do not effectively address rising antisemitism in Australia, which has worsened due to ongoing violence in the Middle East.

Critics, including former Australian human rights commissioner Chris Sidoti, argue that inviting Herzog was a misstep that could further divide the nation. They warn that acceptance of such visits at a time of heightened tensions poses risks to social harmony in Australia.

As protests unfold and opinions clash, the future of the Australian government’s approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict remains uncertain, with community leaders calling for renewed dialogue and an examination of the nation’s policies.