A protester is helped after police deployed pepper spray to disperse demonstrators taking part in a Pro-Palestinian rally against Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit to Australia in Sydney on February 9, 2026.AFP
Herzog's tightly secured, four-day visit was aimed at consoling Australia's Jewish community in the wake of the December shooting at Sydney's Bondi Beach that killed 15 people at a Hanukkah festival.
But he was met with protests in Australia's two largest cities on Monday evening, with a Sydney rally turning violent as police hit protesters and members of the media, including AFP, with pepper spray.
An AFP journalist said they saw at least 15 protesters being arrested and scuffling with police.
Crowds also gathered in the centre of Melbourne demanding an end to Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territories.
Progressive Jewish Council of Australia saying Herzog was not welcome in the country because of his role in the ongoing destruction of Gaza.
The UN's Independent International Commission of Inquiry found last year that Herzog was liable for prosecution for inciting genocide after he said all Palestinians -- "an entire nation" -- were responsible for the Hamas operation in Israel.
South Africa has used his comments in its genocide case against Israel in the International Court of Justice.
Israel's army has killed more than 72,000 Palestinians, most of whom were women and children, since the start of its genocidal war on Gaza in October 2023.
Despite the October ceasefire deal, Israel has continued its attacks on Gaza, killing more than 500 Palestinians since the ceasefire came into effect on October 10.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had urged people to be respectful of the reason for Herzog's visit, saying he would join the president to meet with the families of those killed at Bondi Beach.
The New South Wales state government invoked new powers giving police greater powers to control demonstrations.
* This story was edited by Ahram Online.
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