MELBOURNE, Australia — Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s four-day state visit to Australia, commencing Monday, has become a focal point of international diplomatic strain and domestic controversy. While officially intended to console the Jewish community following December’s deadly Bondi Beach attack that claimed 15 lives, the visit has ignited fierce criticism from human rights advocates and pro-Palestinian groups.
The diplomatic backdrop reveals severely frayed relations between the two traditional allies. Tensions escalated when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly condemned Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s support for Palestinian statehood, accusing him of fueling antisemitism. Albanese subsequently characterized Netanyahu as being ‘in denial’ regarding Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, while Netanyahu dismissed the Australian leader as having ‘betrayed Israel.’
Australian Jewish leaders, including Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-CEO Alex Ryvchin, have welcomed Herzog’s visit as an opportunity to ‘recalibrate bilateral relations’ and comfort a grieving community. Ryvchin described Herzog as ‘a patriot and person of dignity’ whose presence would ‘fortify our community in its darkest time.’
However, significant opposition has emerged from human rights organizations. UN-appointed expert Chris Sidoti labeled Herzog ‘one of the most divisive figures in the world’ and criticized the invitation as a ‘crazy idea’ that would undermine social cohesion. Sidoti referenced a UN report alleging Herzog, along with Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, had incited genocide in Gaza—claims Israel dismisses as antisemitic ‘blood libel.’
Security preparations have intensified in Sydney, where New South Wales Premier Chris Minns authorized enhanced police powers to manage expected protests. The Palestine Action Group has organized demonstrations, with some Labor Party lawmakers pledging to participate. Protest organizer Josh Lees stated their intention to oppose ‘this tour, which is designed to normalize genocide.’
Herzog, speaking ahead of his visit, emphasized his dual mission: to support Australian Jews and ‘reinvigorate relations’ between the nations. He expressed hope to ‘dispel many of the lies and misinformation spread about Israel’ during his engagements in Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra.