Israeli President Isaac Herzog concluded his four-day visit to Australia amidst a backdrop of protests and controversy over his presence. Although both Herzog and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese characterized the trip as a crucial opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties, many observers expressed concerns that the visit has instead exacerbated divisions within both nations.
The visit came shortly after the Bondi terror attack, prompting the Australian government to extend the invitation. During his time in Australia, Herzog met with victims of the attack, Jewish school students, and attended a ceremony at the Chabad of Bondi alongside Albanese. However, his presence sparked significant backlash, resulting in protests across multiple states.
A prominent voice in the debate, human rights expert Ben Saul, criticized Herzog’s motives, suggesting that the visit was more political than commemorative. “He didn’t come solely on a mission to mourn the victims of Bondi. It hasn’t been about the victims of Bondi; it’s been a deliberate political visit,” said Professor Saul, a United Nations special rapporteur on human rights and counterterrorism.
As Herzog traveled from Sydney to Canberra and then to Melbourne, protests escalated. In Sydney, police clashed with demonstrators, resulting in at least nine charges and 27 arrests during an anti-Herzog rally. In Melbourne, over 10,000 people participated in a rally calling for an investigation into Herzog for alleged war crimes. These protests highlighted the deep-seated frustrations over Israel’s actions in the region, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict.
While Herzog enjoys immunity as a visiting head of state, the call for his arrest underscores the gravity of the allegations against Israeli leaders. Notably, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is currently subject to an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court, although Herzog is not. A recent UN Special Commission of Inquiry indicated that comments made by Herzog following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, could be interpreted as incitement to genocide, a claim Israel has firmly denied.
In light of these tensions, Professor Saul emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “Given the severity of Israel’s violations, this isn’t the time to soft pedal. Australia says it cares about the international legal order, well you have to speak up for them because, in this age, there aren’t many countries doing that.”
During their meeting, Albanese reiterated Australia’s position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing the need for both sides to coexist peacefully. He also raised concerns regarding the death of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom, who was killed by an Israeli drone strike while working for World Central Kitchen in April 2024. “We continue to press for full accountability, including any appropriate criminal charges,” Albanese stated.
Despite the unrest, some members of the Jewish community viewed Herzog’s visit as a positive development. Alex Ryvchin, of the Australian Jewry Executive Council, described the visit as a “tremendous moment.” He suggested that direct engagement between leaders could help humanize the relationship and strengthen ties that have historically been strong but have deteriorated in recent months.
Herzog himself expressed goodwill during the visit, stating, “We came here to be with you, to look you in the eye, to embrace and remember.” He concluded by saying he was leaving Australia feeling empowered.
As Herzog departed Melbourne on Thursday night, the contrasting sentiments surrounding his visit left an indelible mark on the Australian-Israeli relationship, raising questions about the future of diplomatic ties amid ongoing conflict and division.
