Teen Charged Over Online Threats Ahead of Israeli President's Controversial Australia Visit
Australian authorities have charged a teenager with making online threats against a visiting foreign head of state, as the country braces for contentious demonstrations during Israeli President Isaac Herzog's upcoming official visit.
The Australian Federal Police confirmed Thursday that a 19-year-old male, who was denied bail, will face court over social media posts allegedly targeting "an internationally protected person" last month. While police did not name the individual, multiple Australian media outlets identified the subject as President Herzog. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment.
Herzog's five-day visit, beginning Sunday, comes at a diplomatically sensitive moment. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese extended the invitation following December's Bondi Beach shooting tragedy, during which a gunman killed attendees at a Jewish festival. The Israeli president is expected to meet with survivors and victims' families during his stay.
However, the visit has ignited substantial opposition from pro-Palestinian groups and human rights organizations. Approximately two dozen cities across Australia are planning coordinated protests, with organizers promising "mass, peaceful" demonstrations. The Palestine Action Group has called for a major rally at New South Wales Parliament in Sydney on Monday.
Legal pressure is mounting alongside street protests. Last month, three legal groups—The Australian Centre for International Justice, Al-Haq, and Al Mezan Center for Human Rights—formally requested the AFP investigate Herzog for alleged complicity in war crimes in Gaza. Their submission cites "serious and credible criminal allegations of incitement to genocide" related to Israel's military campaign since October 2023.
Political opposition is also crystallizing. Greens Senator David Shoebridge has repeatedly demanded the government revoke Herzog's invitation, stating in Parliament that the Israeli leader "has literally signed bombs used in the genocide in Gaza." Shoebridge further warned that the visit risks generating "significant animosity"—a concern echoed by NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon, who announced extended protest restrictions this week.
The case highlights growing tensions in Australia regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict, testing the balance between diplomatic protocol, free speech, and public safety during high-profile international visits.
Voices from the Community
Marcus Chen, University of Sydney Political Science Lecturer: "This situation reflects Australia's difficult diplomatic tightrope. While the government seeks to show solidarity after domestic tragedy, it cannot ignore mounting public concern over Gaza. The legal complaints against Herzog, though unlikely to proceed practically, symbolize a broader demand for accountability."
Eleanor Rigby, Jewish Community Council Spokesperson: "President Herzog's visit is about compassion and solidarity with Australian victims of terrorism. Attempts to politicize this humanitarian gesture are deeply disappointing. We should distinguish between Israel's government and its presidency, which serves as a unifying institution."
Jamila Ahmed, Human Rights Advocate (Sharply Critical): "Rolling out the red carpet for someone implicated in genocide allegations is morally bankrupt. While this teenager's alleged threats are unacceptable, the real threat is Australia normalizing a leader whose signature allegedly appears on bombs that killed thousands of children. The protests will be massive because people still have a conscience."
Robert Fitzgerald, Former Diplomat: "The security and legal dimensions here are complex. Australia has clear obligations to protect visiting dignitaries, but also domestic laws regarding war crimes allegations. This visit was always going to be inflammatory given current polarizations, but canceling invitations based on allegations sets problematic precedents for international diplomacy."