On the last day of Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit to Australia, pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered in Melbourne on Thursday after protests in the capital, Canberra, and violent clashes between demonstrators and police in Sydney. This comes against the backdrop of some Australians accusing Herzog of complicity in the killing of civilians and Israel committing “genocide” in Gaza, according to a report by a United Nations investigative committee.
Published on: 02/12/2026 - 10:57 Last updated: 02/12/2026 - 12:28
Israeli President Isaac Herzog will visit Australia this week at the invitation of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese following the shooting incident that occurred on December 14 during a Jewish religious celebration on Bondi Beach in Sydney, which resulted in the deaths of 15 people.
But this visit angered some Australians, who accuse Herzog of complicity in the killing of civilians in Gaza.
Keffiyeh and Palestinian flags
The demonstrators cite a United Nations investigative committee report issued last year that concluded that Israel committed “genocide” in Gaza and that senior Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Herzog, incited these acts, accusations that Israel described as slander.
A large crowd gathered in front of one of the main railway stations in Melbourne's central business district on Thursday. A number of demonstrators wore keffiyehs and waved Palestinian flags.
Neville Steer, 69, traveled about an hour from the suburb of Macrae to join the rally in which police expect about 5,000 demonstrators to participate.
"What worries me is the people in Palestine, especially in Gaza, and the impact that Israel is having on the entire population," he said.
"genocide"
Elijah Vokins, 20, said it was difficult to sit idly by after seeing the devastation the Israeli government inflicted on Gaza on social media.
He added that he is "protesting against Herzog for being a saboteur and complicit in this genocide. I think it is very important that we come out and demand that our government do better."
The University of Melbourne said it had referred to the police the incident of graffiti appearing on the university campus on Thursday calling for Herzog's death. While there is no indication of a link between the drawing and the protests.
'Scary' anti-Semitism and 'a silent majority seeking peace'
For his part, Herzog, who also visited Sydney and Canberra during his four-day trip, said Thursday that there is "frightening" anti-Semitism in Australia.
He stressed in an interview with Channel Seven, "There is anti-Semitism. It is frightening and disturbing, but there is also a silent majority of Australians who seek peace, respect Jews, and of course want a dialogue with Israel."
He added that accusing him of participating in genocide in Gaza - an accusation made against him by many demonstrators - is a "lie."
“Go demonstrate in front of the Iranian embassy.”
Herzog later spoke during a Jewish event in South Melbourne, where he said it was “puzzling and strange” that there was a heavy police presence outside the venue.
He added, "I say to all the demonstrators abroad, go demonstrate in front of the Iranian embassy or whatever embassy represents them."
Sydney witnessed clashes between police and demonstrators on Monday evening, and authorities arrested 27 people after demonstrations against Herzog's visit turned violent. Each side accused the other of assault, while police eventually used tear gas and pepper spray to disperse crowds in the city's central business district.
France 24/Reuters
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