Police Deploy Pepper Spray at Sydney Rally Opposing Israeli President's Visit
New South Wales police have used pepper spray on protesters at a Sydney rally opposing Israeli President Isaac Herzog's four-day visit to Australia, which began on Monday. Hundreds of demonstrators attempted to march in defiance of state laws, leading to tense confrontations with law enforcement.
Widespread Protests Across Australian Cities
Protesters took to the streets around Australia to oppose Herzog's visit, with thousands gathering near Sydney's Town Hall on Monday night. The rally featured addresses from Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi and former Australian of the Year Grace Tame. Notably, three New South Wales Labor backbenchers defied Premier Chris Minns to attend the protest.
In Melbourne, thousands of protesters also assembled, where Senator Lidia Thorpe addressed the crowd. "I stand against violence of all forms, particularly genocide," Thorpe declared. "I stand in solidarity with the victims in Bondi, but I also stand with my Palestinian brothers and sisters."
Tense Negotiations and Police Response
More than an hour after the Sydney protest commenced, organisers and police engaged in tense conversations as demonstrators attempted to negotiate permission to march. New South Wales laws passed following the Bondi terror attack prevent protesters from marching without authorisation.
As protesters began beating drums and chanting "let us march," police responded with pepper spray when demonstrators attempted to proceed. Witnesses described people near the front running back while coughing and spluttering, with those affected pouring water over their eyes to alleviate the effects.
Political Context and International Controversy
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese invited Herzog after the 14 December antisemitic shooting, stating the visit aimed to foster greater unity. However, the visit has sparked controversy following a finding by a UN commission that Herzog, along with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and then Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, "have incited the commission of genocide." The commission does not speak on behalf of the United Nations.
Some activists have called for Herzog's arrest based on these findings. Herzog has dismissed the genocide case against Israel in the International Court of Justice as "a form of blood libel" and defended his 2023 statement that "it is an entire nation out there that is responsible" for the 7 October attacks on Israel.
Herzog's Response to Demonstrations
When asked about his message to protesters, Herzog stated on Monday: "It is important for me to say that I've come here in goodwill. These demonstrations, in most cases, what you hear and see comes to undermine and delegitimise our right, my nation's right, the nation which I am the head of state of, of its mere existence."
The protests highlight ongoing tensions in Australia regarding international relations and domestic protest rights, with the police response in Sydney drawing particular attention to the balance between public safety and freedom of assembly.
