Two very different receptions await Israel’s president in Australia

Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit to Australia is set to provoke starkly divergent reactions, with the government offering a gesture of unity after the Bondi Beach terror attack while activists mobilize nationwide protests over Israel’s conduct in Gaza. President Isaac Herzog is scheduled to arrive in Australia on Monday for a five-day visit, primarily to mourn the victims of the December 14 Bondi Beach massacre, where 15 people were killed during a Hanukkah festival. The invitation from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese aims to show solidarity with Australia’s grieving Jewish community, which has faced rising antisemitism. However, the visit comes at a time of deep national division over the Israel-Hamas war, with Herzog’s role drawing intense scrutiny from human rights groups. The Australian government has emphasized the visit’s focus on community healing, with Foreign Minister Penny Wong acknowledging public anger over Gaza but urging respect for Jewish mourning. Albanese’s decision follows sweeping new security measures announced after the Bondi attack, including tighter gun laws and hate speech regulations. Yet, this diplomatic overture has sparked controversy, revealing fractures within the ruling Labor Party and broader society. Mass protests are planned in up to 30 cities across Australia, organized by groups like the Palestine Action Group, which labels Herzog a war criminal. In Sydney, organizers expect thousands to gather at Town Hall, despite police restrictions imposed after the Bondi attack that risk arrests for unauthorized marches. Protesters cite a UN commission report from September 2025 that accused Herzog of inciting genocide, though Israel denies these allegations. Legal challenges surround the visit, with human rights organizations filing complaints urging Australian authorities to arrest Herzog or bar his entry. The Australian Federal Police have confirmed Herzog’s diplomatic immunity, and an Israeli official assured no arrest threats exist. However, Doron Almog, a former general traveling with Herzog, faces a separate complaint and lacks immunity, highlighting the complex legal landscape. Jewish community reactions are mixed: major groups like the Executive Council of Australian Jewry welcome Herzog’s visit as comforting, while progressive voices like the Jewish Council of Australia condemn it as politicizing grief. This split reflects broader tensions, with some Jews fearing the visit exacerbates antisemitism by conflating Jewish identity with Israeli policies. Herzog, in a pre-visit interview, stated his intent to counter misinformation about Israel, but his past comments on Gaza have fueled criticism. As Israel’s largely ceremonial head of state, he is distinct from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces ICC arrest warrants. The visit underscores Australia’s strained position in balancing international law, domestic politics, and social cohesion. The fallout may have lasting implications, with UN commissioner Chris Sidoti warning the visit could harm Australian social unity. As protests and welcomes unfold, the event will test Australia’s commitment to free speech, diplomatic norms, and community safety in a polarized global climate.