Australia Rejects Calls for Arrest of Visiting Israeli President Herzog
The Australian government on Thursday firmly rejected calls for the arrest of Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who is scheduled to visit the country next week to express solidarity with the Jewish community following the deadly Bondi Beach shooting.
Herzog's four-day visit, beginning Monday, comes in response to the December 14 attack on a Sydney Hanukkah festival that left 15 dead—described by authorities as the worst antisemitic terrorist attack on Australian soil.
The controversy stems from a 2025 United Nations-established inquiry which concluded that Herzog had "incited the commission of genocide" through public statements made after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks. Israel has vehemently rejected the report as "distorted and false," and called for the inquiry body to be abolished.
Human rights lawyer Chris Sidoti, a member of the UN's Independent International Commission of Inquiry, publicly urged Canberra to either withdraw the invitation or arrest Herzog upon arrival. "Prime Minister Albanese made a serious error in judgment," Sidoti told AFP. "This invitation should be revoked before it's too late."
Foreign Minister Penny Wong defended the decision, emphasizing that the invitation was extended in consultation with Australian Jewish leaders. "President Herzog is visiting to honor the Bondi victims and support a community still recovering from profound trauma," Wong stated.
The visit has sparked planned protests by pro-Palestinian groups across major cities. In Sydney, police have utilized new powers enacted after the Bondi attack to deny protest permits, citing security concerns.
Adding to the tense atmosphere, federal police confirmed a 19-year-old Sydney man was charged Thursday with making an online death threat against a foreign head of state—though authorities did not confirm Herzog was the target.
Analysis: The diplomatic balancing act highlights Australia's struggle to navigate its support for the Jewish community, its international legal obligations, and its broader Middle East policy. The government's stance signals a prioritization of domestic solidarity over external legal pressures, setting a precedent for how nations address controversial foreign visits amid allegations of international law violations.
Reactions:
David Chen, Political Science Professor at University of Melbourne: "This was an inevitable diplomatic challenge. The government is choosing to separate the symbolic role of a head of state from contentious UN findings, focusing instead on immediate domestic healing."
Sarah Miller, Human Rights Advocate: "By hosting Herzog, Australia is effectively dismissing serious allegations documented by a UN-mandated body. It undermines global accountability mechanisms and sends a dangerous message about impunity."
Rabbi Jacob Goldstein, Sydney Jewish Community Leader: "The visit is a crucial gesture of support when we need it most. International political disputes shouldn't prevent compassion for a grieving community."
Mark Taylor, Construction Worker & Activist: "It's outrageous! Inviting someone accused of inciting genocide to 'comfort' victims? This is pure political theater that spits on the memory of all victims of violence in the region."