The first day of Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit to Australia — as it happened

We're going to wrap up our live coverage of the first day of Israeli President Isaac Herzog's state visit.

Here are some key moments from today.

• After arriving in Sydney, the Israeli president visited Bondi, laying a wreath outside the pavilion in tribute to the victims of the 14 December terror attack.
• Addressing the media afterwards, he condemned the spread of antisemitism as a "global emergency" and took questions from reporters.

• On Monday night, Herzog addressed a large crowd at an event at Sydney's International Convention Centre
• Pro-Palestinian rallies were held across Australian capitals and regional centres. Violent scenes between police and protesters erupted in Sydney. Officers deployed capsicum spray and made several arrests as they tried to disperse crowds and prevent them from marching from Town Hall to NSW parliament.
• Earlier, organisers in Sydney lost an eleventh-hour legal challenge to the NSW government's designation of the visit as a major event, which granted police additional powers within a designated zone, covering much of the Sydney CBD and eastern suburbs.

Violent scenes have unfolded around Sydney's Town Hall, with a video posted on social media showing a large group of police charging at pro-Palestinian protesters.

The vision appeared to show police deploying capsicum spray and some protesters falling to the ground.

Police detained several protesters after violence broke out. Source: Getty / Izhar Khan

Thousands of protesters gathered at Sydney's Town Hall from 5pm to oppose Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit to Australia.

Demonstrators wanted to march towards NSW parliament, while police requested that the crowd disperse after speeches had concluded.

Officers were heard telling attendees that there would be no march.

Police arresting protesters near Sydney's Town Hall. Source: Getty / Izhar Khan

The thousands-strong crowd dwindled into the hundreds as night fell before clashes broke out as some protesters tried to break through a police perimeter.

Moments before clashes broke out, Palestine Action Group organiser Josh Lees addressed the angry crowd.

"People are getting arrested and pepper-sprayed in front of us … this is a bloody outrage," he said.

Another video posted by Mohammed Mustafa — a well-known Australian doctor who has performed humanitarian work in Gaza — appeared to show officers grabbing or pushing Muslim men from the ground as they prayed.

In a video posted on Instagram, Lees accused police of a "brutal attack" on a "peaceful protest".

NSW Police were contacted for comment.

— Miles Proust

Israeli President Isaac Herzog said antisemitism has been "festering" in Australia since the October 7 attack in Israel.

"We all remember the boycotts, the threats, the colleagues who turned their backs on their Jewish friends," he said.

"The escalating rhetoric and shrinking silence that was the prelude [to Bondi]," he said.

In court documents released in December, police allege the Bondi gunmen had produced a video "condemning the acts of 'Zionists'" but links between post-October-7 rhetoric and the motivations of the shooters remain unclear.

Herzog also called for a strengthening of relations between Australia and Israel.

"I am here also to re-invigorate the important relations between our two strong democracies," he said.

"I know that by working together we will find the way to expand collaboration and increase understanding and upgrade our relations.

"During my visit, I intend to discuss it with your national leadership."

— Miles Proust

Israeli President Isaac Herzog has told a crowd of around 7,000 at Sydney's International Convention Centre that he was "honoured to join this beautiful family".

"The physical and emotional scars from December 14 will forever be a part of our two nations," he said, referring to the terror attack on a Jewish Hanukkah celebration at Sydney's Bondi Beach.

"I will never forget the earlier reports I received in Jerusalem about a mass shooting in Sydney.

"Jewish hearts around the world missed a beat. By the time we lit the first candles [of Hanukkah] in Jerusalem, darkness claimed the lives of 15 innocent people in Sydney."

Israeli President Isaac Herzog addresses the crowd. Source: AP / Rick Rycroft

He also paid tribute to those who risked their lives to help others.

"We will never forget the extraordinary, ordinary people who demonstrated humanity by running towards the fire," he said.

"To all the heroes of Bondi … every one of you has the deep admiration, the respect and the prayers of the Israeli people. You are the finest of Australia."

Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison, former opposition leader Peter Dutton and former treasurer Josh Frydenberg are among those in attendance.

— Miles Proust

Scuffles between police and pro-Palestinian demonstrators have broken out at Sydney's Town Hall.

Police wanted the demonstration to disperse after speeches, while protesters wanted to march to the NSW parliament.

Some protesters tried to breach a police line onto George Street, which is closed under the major event declaration, with police deploying capsicum spray and making several arrests.

Demonstrators chanted "let us march" and "this is not a police state".

— Miles Proust

Israeli President Isaac Herzog has taken to the stage for an event at Sydney’s International Convention Centre.

Thousands packed out the centre for the Light and Solidarity event — a tribute to the Bondi terror attack victims.

Some attendees carried Israeli flags or wore them as capes.

Hosted by the Zionist Federation of Australia, the event will feature live music and cultural performances, as well as speakers including Bondi hero Ahmed Al Ahmed, who disarmed one of the gunmen.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog was reunited with former Olympian Nova Peris on Monday night. The pair have previously met during Peris' trips to Israel. Source: AP / Rick Rycroft

Indigenous former Olympian Nova Peris received a standing ovation after presenting a Welcome to Country.

"Mr President, I am truly sorry for all that your people have endured over time, both in Israel and here in Australia," she said.

The erstwhile Labor senator has previously criticised pro-Palestinian campaigners for their use of the Aboriginal flag at protests — views that some Indigenous activists and politicians have rejected.

— Miles Proust

At Sydney's Town Hall, dozens of police lined the perimeter of the protest against Israeli President Isaac Herzog, restricting more protesters from entering and prompting the crowd to chant "let them in".

Barricades have also been set up by police.

There was a heavy police presence for the Sydney demonstration. Source: AAP / Flavio Brancaleone

Chants broke out among the thousands-strong crowd, calling for Herzog's arrest.

Federal police confirmed this week that Herzog would be protected from arrest and other legal proceedings under head of state immunity provisions during his visit to Australia.

— Miles Proust

Hundreds of protesters opposing Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit have gathered outside Flinders Street railway station in Melbourne's CBD.

A speaker addressing the crowd started a chant of "from the river to sea, Palestine will be free".

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators outside Flinders Street station on Monday afternoon. Source: SBS / Tom Stayner

Many in the crowd waved Palestinian flags, while others carried placards accusing Herzog of being a war criminal over Israel's war in Gaza.

Protesters started gathering about 5pm. Source: AAP / Joel Carrett

Herzog has denied allegations made by a United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry that he, along with other senior officials, had "incited the commission of genocide" in their speeches and statements.

Protesters carrying signs accusing Herzog of being a war criminal and calling for his arrest. Source: AAP / Joel Carrett

The intersection was blocked in all directions as protesters listened to speakers including independent senator Lidia Thorpe. Source: SBS / Zacharias Szumer

By 6:30pm, the crowd had swelled to several thousand, according to some estimates. Source: SBS / Zacharias Szumer

— Miles Proust

The Palestine Action Group had said they would go ahead with the protest against Isaac Herzog's visit at 5.30pm "win or lose".

"This case is about trying to stop some of the extra draconian powers [NSW Premier Chris] Minns has given himself to make Herzog feel at home by imposing a militarised occupation of Sydney," the group posted on Instagram yesterday.

Speaking to the media after the NSW Supreme Court decision, Palestine Action Group member Josh Lees confirmed a "peaceful protest" would still be going ahead.

"What we've been saying this entire time is that it's completely lawful for us to gather at Town Hall to hold a public assembly, which is what we'll be doing, and we have been talking to police, and we'll continue to talk to police and call on them to facilitate the march that we would like to have from Town Hall to NSW parliament," Lees said.

The major event declaration — which has been used previously to manage crowds for sporting and international events — does not ban protests, but gives police special powers to move people on, close off parts of the designated major event area and take other measures to manage crowds.

Failure to comply with police directions can result in fines of up to $5,500 or exclusion from the declared area.

Hundreds of people have gathered at Town Hall for the protest, with a heavy police presence surrounding the gathering.

Police are out in force amid a protest against Herzog's visit at Town Hall, which falls within the major events area declared by the state government. Source: SBS

— Josie Harvey, Alexandra Jones

Foreign Minister Penny Wong has refused to confirm if Israeli President Isaac Herzog will visit Parliament House in Canberra during his four-day state visit.

Under questioning from Greens senator Barbara Pocock, Wong said Herzog would not address parliament, but a question about whether he would visit would have to be taken on notice.

"There's obviously [a] heightened security environment," she said.

"If I take some of these questions on notice, I would just ask you to understand that that is the reason for it."

Asked if it was appropriate that Herzog's visit was funded by taxpayers, given allegations of war crimes levelled at Israel over its actions in Gaza, Wong said: "He's coming here to honour, remember the victims of that attack and support the Australian Jewish community."

Foreign Minister Penny Wong defended Isaac Herzog being invited to Australia. Source: AAP / Lukas Coch

A United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry (COI), which does not speak on behalf of the UN as a whole and has been sharply criticised by Israel, concluded in September that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.

The commission also said Herzog, Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant had "incited the commission of genocide" in their speeches and statements.

Israel is separately defending a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which has ordered provisional measures but has yet to issue a final ruling.

Israel has repeatedly denied committing genocide in Gaza, saying it has the right to defend itself. Herzog has vehemently denied allegations that his remarks amount to incitement, saying they were taken out of context.

Wong also could not confirm how much the trip was costing taxpayers.

Independent senator David Pocock asked Wong if she would raise the issue of the dozens of graves of Australian soldiers in Gaza reportedly being bulldozed by Israeli forces during military operations.

"As a matter of principle, the graves of fallen Australians are sacred to us. We would always make clear the priority we attach to the resting place of Australians," she said, taking the remainder of the question on notice.

Pocock then read out an email from the daughter of an Australian World War Two soldier buried in the cemetery.

"My family is distressed and angry, as we were led to believe by the War Graves Commission that very few Australian people's graves have been affected," Pocock read from the letter.

"I'm also distressed that the Australian government has very lately invited the president of Israel to Australia when our soldiers' graves have been desecrated by the Israeli Defence Force."

Wong said the issue was a matter for the Department of Veterans' Affairs.

— Miles Proust

Officers dealt with four people as part of an operation at Bondi Beach today, NSW Police said in a statement.

Bondi is part of the designated "major event area" in which police have special powers to move people on during Isaac Herzog's visit. The Israeli president visited Bondi Pavilion just before noon to pay his respects to the 15 victims of the 14 December terror attack.

Police said a man was arrested after police received reports that he was yelling and being aggressive towards other passengers at a Bondi Beach bus stop.

In a separate incident, police used the major event declaration to issue a move-on direction to a 24-year-old who they say was "yelling at a passing motorcade" around noon.

Two other people holding placards outside the event at Bondi Pavilion were issued move-on directions under a different piece of legislation.

All three complied, police said.

— Josie Harvey

The NSW Supreme Court has rejected Palestine Action Group's (PAG) legal challenge to the NSW government's declaration of Isaac Herzog's visit as a major event.

PAG had launched a last-minute challenge to expanded police powers invoked by the NSW government under the Major Events Act for the Israeli president's visit to Australia.

The group has a large protest planned in Sydney's CBD today at 5.30pm to oppose Herzog's trip to Australia.

READ MORE

Extra police powers for Israeli president's visit withstand legal challenge

The NSW government had designated Herzog's visit a major event on Friday under legislation typically used to manage crowds at major sporting and cultural events.

PAG argued the declaration was being used improperly to shut down protest, and that Herzog's visit didn't amount to a major event for the purposes of the laws.

The declaration grants police expanded powers to manage crowd safety and shut down parts of the "major events area" in the Sydney CBD and eastern suburbs.

— Josie Harvey

The federal government has allocated $131.1 million for the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion.

Susie Williamson-de Vries, a senior official in the Attorney-General's Department, told a Senate committee on Monday the figure included $91.2 million for the inquiry itself.

She said funding would also go towards support for individuals called to give evidence, as well as an independent legal advice service.

Scott Prasser, a former senior government policy adviser and author of the book Royal Commissions and Public Inquiries in Australia, told SBS News that's a relatively high price tag for a one-year royal commission.

For example the 2022 Royal Commission into the Robodebt scheme, which took just under 11 months, cost around $33.6 million.

Prasser said he had estimated a minimum of $50 million for the antisemitism inquiry, which was announced last month and has a 14 December deadline to deliver its final report.

— Miles Proust, Josie Harvey

Israeli President Isaac Herzog has paid tribute to the 15 victims of the Bondi terror attack in a social media post marking the beginning of his four-day state visit.

"From here at Bondi, I embrace the bereaved families, pray for a speedy recovery for all those injured, and express my deepest gratitude to all those heroes who saved innocent lives under fire," he said in the post on X, which included several photos of today's ceremony at Bondi Beach.

"Standing here at Bondi — an iconic symbol of Australian life, now scarred by the December 14th massacre — I embrace our Australian Jewish sisters and brothers still reeling from this trauma.

"I also reach out to the wonderful people of Australia who have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Australian Jews in the aftermath of the attack.

"My visit to Australia, to all of you, is one of solidarity, strength, and sincere friendship from the State of Israel and the people of Israel. Together, we must confront the evils of antisemitism, extremism, and terror here in Australia and around the world."

— Miles Proust

During Question Time in parliament, independent MP Sophie Scamps asked the federal government about Israel's approval of new measures allowing the expansion of Israeli settlements — which is considered illegal under international law — in the occupied West Bank.

Israel's security cabinet approved several measures on Sunday, making it easier for settlers to buy land and granting Israeli authorities more enforcement powers over Palestinians, according to Reuters news agency.

Scamps asked the government if it would impose sanctions on Israeli officials, given that it had recognised Palestinian statehood and remained committed to a two-state solution.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles was given the call.

"The government has in place sanctions in respect of Israel which have been announced and well publicised," he said.

"But underpinning that has fundamentally been a position which has been held by this government, which is consistent with governments of the past, from both political parties, of supporting a two-state solution."

He said a two-state solution provides for the "legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people to have statehood", while also ensuring security for Israel.

Marles also acknowledged Israeli President Isaac Herzog's state visit to Australia, which he said was important for bilateral relations between Australia and Israel.

"In the context of the tragedy of the Bondi massacre, his presence in Australia today is very significant for our nation, and particularly for our nation's Jewish community, and in that respect, the president of Israel is here today, and during this week, as an honoured and welcome guest," he said.

"And he is so utterly consistent with the position that this government holds in supporting a two-state solution."

— Miles Proust

The NSW government declared on Friday that the Israeli presidential visit would be a 'major event', under the Major Events Act, giving police additional powers to manage crowds.

The major event area includes the Sydney CBD and eastern suburbs, as seen in the below map.

The declaration is in place until Thursday, with road closures and public transport disruptions expected.

The NSW Supreme Court is expected to give a decision in the coming hours on a challenge to the declaration brought by the Palestine Action Group, which intends to hold a protest against Isaac Herzog's visit starting at Sydney Town Hall at 5.30pm AEDT.

Credit: NSW government

— Josie Harvey

As Israeli President Isaac Herzog begins his state visit in Sydney, he has attended a wreath-laying ceremony at Bondi Pavilion and commemorated the victims of the Bondi terror attack in December.

There's been a heightened police and security presence since his trip started.

NSW Premier Chris Minns (left), Israeli President Isaac Herzog (centre) and Israel's first lady Michal Herzog (right) arrive for a wreath-laying ceremony at Bondi Pavilion. Source: AAP / Bianca De Marchi

Israeli President Isaac Herzog and First Lady Michal Herzog lay a wreath at Bondi Pavilion. Source: Getty / George Chan

A man carrying an Israeli flag along the promenade at Bondi Beach. Source: AAP / Jessica Hromas

Police boats off Bondi Beach. Source: AAP / Jessica Hromas

A sniper in position in Sydney's CBD. Source: AAP / Bianca De Marchi

There was a heightened police presence in Bondi for the visit. Source: AAP / Jessica Hromas

— Miles Proust

Isaac Herzog's visit has been declared a 'major event' under the Major Events Act, which gives police additional powers to manage crowds, and is normally used for large sporting and cultural events.

A pro-Palestinian protest group launching a legal challenge against the NSW government has claimed that the Major Events Act is inappropriate for the purposes of a foreign leader's visit.

However, former NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian designated the 2018 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit a major event, with the declaration in effect between 15 and 19 March 2018, according to NSW parliamentary records.

Earlier this morning, NSW Premier Chris Minns claimed the laws had been deployed for the 2007 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conference, although that was incorrect as the act was not passed until 2009.

READ MORE

Sydney pro-Palestinian protest group to launch legal challenge to Herzog visit police powers

NSW Police did have special powers during that event, but they were granted under different legislation.

"I think if you look at the history of the designation in the past, it's applied to APEC when leaders came to Sydney," Minns said during a press conference.

"That wasn't a major cultural event. It wasn't a sporting event. So it's been mischaracterised by those that want to topple the regulation as it applies to Sydney.

"Look, the bottom line here is, we've got an international visitor who's been invited by the Commonwealth government. I think reasonable people expect us to keep him safe, and to keep the community safe, during this visit."

— Zacharias Szumer

The legal challenge by protest organisers Palestine Action Group (PAG) against Isaac Herzog's visit being declared a 'major event' by the NSW government has adjourned.

The NSW Supreme Court is expected to give a decision at 4pm AEDT — less than two hours before PAG's Sydney protest against Herzog's visit is scheduled to begin.

"The court will take some time to consider. I think it's inevitable that I will be required to make orders and then publish reasons subsequently," NSW Supreme Court Justice Robertson Wright said.

The PAG launched an eleventh-hour legal challenge against the NSW government's declaration of Herzog's visit under the Major Events Act, which grants police additional powers to manage crowd safety and close parts of designated areas. Under the act, protesters who fail to comply with police directions could be fined up to $5,500.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the hearing, PAG spokesperson Josh Lees said it would be an "important win for democracy" if the challenge was successful.

"We need to be absolutely clear. It is completely lawful for all of us to gather and assemble for a massive protest," he said.

— Miles Proust

In a statement published on the Human Rights Watch website, Adam Coogle, deputy director of its Middle East and North Africa division, said Albanese "should raise Israeli crimes" during Herzog's visit.

Herzog is Israel's head of state, and his leadership has largely reflected the policies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been accused of war crimes in the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Israel was accused of committing genocide in Gaza in a United Nations Commission of Inquiry report last year. It denies the allegations.

Coogle noted that while the ICC has not issued a warrant for Herzog's arrest, he was accused in the report of "direct and public incitement to commit genocide".

"While showing appropriate concern for the Jewish community, the Australian government should not shy away from denouncing and pushing for an end to the Israeli government’s longstanding serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.

"Australia should look to whether its domestic laws could be used to investigate and prosecute serious international crimes committed in Israel and Palestine, and make clear that as an ICC member it stands ready to carry out the court’s arrest warrants across its docket," Coogle wrote.

READ MORE

AFP confirms it won't arrest Israeli President Isaac Herzog amid calls for investigation

The Australian Federal Police said last week it had sought independent legal advice and would not arrest Herzog, saying the Israeli leader had immunity from Australian criminal and civil jurisdiction under customary international law.

— Josie Harvey