Massive Melbourne Protests Mark Final Day of Israeli President's Australia Visit
Israeli President Isaac Herzog concluded his four-day diplomatic visit to Australia on Thursday amid substantial protests in Melbourne, where at least 10,000 pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered to demand his arrest. The large-scale rally outside Flinders Street Station disrupted tram services and traffic in the Central Business District around 5:00 PM local time, according to Australian media reports.
Protesters Accuse Israel of Genocide
Demonstrators waved Palestinian flags and carried placards accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza – allegations that Israel strongly denies. Protest chants included "free, free Palestine" and "death to the IDF" as participants played drums and tambourines throughout the event.
Victorian Greens MP Gabrielle De Vietri addressed the crowd, criticizing Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for extending the invitation to Herzog. "What is going on when the government is rolling out the red carpet for a member of a government that is committing genocide?" De Vietri questioned the assembled protesters.
The Richmond MP argued that Australia, as a signatory to the Genocide Convention, has a legal obligation to act against genocide and should detain figures like Herzog upon their arrival in the country. "That is the normal thing to do, that is the right thing to do," De Vietri stated emphatically.
Heightened Security Measures Implemented
Melbourne police received special powers under counter-terrorism legislation on Thursday, allowing officers to search individuals and vehicles in designated areas throughout the city. Deputy Commissioner Bob Hill explained that while no specific threat existed, the measures represented necessary precautions.
"Victoria Police has been granted those powers that afford us, in specified areas, to seek the identities of individuals passing through that location, to search individuals, to search vehicles, and cordon-off a particular area," Hill detailed. He clarified that these powers specifically applied to locations Herzog would visit and would not directly impact lawful protest activities.
Herzog's Response to Protesters
While attending a Jewish community event in Melbourne's Southbank, President Herzog expressed gratitude to Australia's Jewish community. "We came here to be with you, to look you in the eye, to embrace and remember," Herzog told the gathering. "I must tell you that we return to Israel feeling empowered because we have seen first-hand the beauty and resilience of this community."
However, Herzog noted the unusual security requirements for his public appearances, commenting on the substantial police presence needed to protect him from harassment. He offered a direct message to protesters gathered outside his venue: "Go protest in front of the Iranian embassy," suggesting that Tehran had killed tens of thousands of its own citizens during protests there.
Herzog dismissed accusations against him as "libellous lies" and claimed Israel faces widespread misinformation campaigns. "That's part of the whole circumstances of our lives, meaning enormous brainwashing with a lot of lies and blasphemy, which has no basis," the Israeli president asserted.
Community Reactions and Earlier Incidents
The visit has generated divided responses within Australia's Jewish community. While mainstream Jewish organizations welcomed Herzog's presence, the Jewish Council of Australia published open letters and newspaper advertisements signed by hundreds of Australian Jews declaring: "Herzog does not speak for us and is NOT WELCOME HERE."
Council executive officer Sarah Schwartz explained: "We refuse to let our collective grief be used to legitimise a leader whose rhetoric has been part of inciting a genocide against Palestinians in Gaza and has contributed to the illegal annexation of the West Bank."
Earlier in the week, Sydney witnessed violent clashes during protests against Herzog's visit, resulting in at least 27 arrests amid allegations of excessive police force. The Israeli president's trip included earlier stops in Sydney and Canberra, organized partly to show support for Australia's Jewish community following the Bondi Beach terror attack in December that killed 15 people at a Hanukkah festival.
Herzog began his visit by commemorating victims of what became Australia's worst mass shooting in 29 years. Throughout his Australian tour, the president maintained that "terror cannot reign in the world" while expressing concern for Palestinian suffering.
At the Melbourne demonstration, Palestinian activist Muayad Ali condemned the diplomatic visit, stating: "This is not diplomacy. This is normalisation of genocide. When you invite a representative of the Zionist regime, you send a message that Australia is willing to shake hands stained with the blood of children killed in Gaza."
