Agreement to allow Muslims to finish prayer at Isaac Herzog protest didn’t reach officers, NSW police say

New South Wales police have acknowledged a communication breakdown contributed to the disruption of Muslim worshippers at a Sydney protest on Monday. The incident occurred outside Sydney Town Hall during a rally against Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit. Footage showed police officers shoving and dragging a group of men who were performing sunset prayers. According to police, an agreement to allow the men to finish their prayer was not communicated to all officers present. The lack of communication resulted in the forceful interruption of the prayer, sparking widespread outrage.

President Isaac Herzog's visit to Australia in February 2026 sparked widespread protests in Sydney, primarily concerning Israeli actions in Gaza. The demonstrations, held outside Town Hall, escalated when protesters attempted to march towards the Harbour Bridge. Police, operating under expanded powers granted after the Bondi Beach shooting, clashed with protesters, resulting in arrests and charges of resisting or assaulting police. The clashes have raised concerns about diminished civil liberties in Australia and were described by some as unprecedented. Herzog's visit was a four-day trip to mourn the victims of a Hanukkah celebration shooting in December. The authorities deemed the shooting a terrorist attack.

On February 9, 2026, protests occurred across Australia against the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Demonstrators rallied, labeling Herzog a "war criminal" and accusing him of supporting genocide. The protests were organized to express opposition to the Israeli president's presence in the country. Clashes between protesters and police broke out in Sydney, resulting in the use of pepper spray by law enforcement and the arrest of demonstrators. The protests highlight the controversy surrounding President Herzog's visit and the strong opinions held by some regarding his actions and policies.

A protest in Sydney against Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit led to accusations of police violence against demonstrators on Monday evening. Several politicians, including Labor and Greens MPs, criticized the police response as "wildly inappropriate," alleging excessive force. Greens MP Abigail Boyd claimed she was specifically targeted and injured by police during the rally. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns defended the police actions, stating they were in an "impossible situation." The protest and subsequent controversy highlight tensions surrounding the Israeli president's visit and the policing of demonstrations in Sydney.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit to Australia was met with protests and clashes in Sydney, following his invitation from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to honor the victims of a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach that was attacked in December. The protests were organized by pro-Palestinian activists who objected to Mr. Herzog's presence due to Israeli policies in the war in Gaza, where over 70,000 Palestinians have been killed. The protests led to restrictions on public assembly and a "major operation" by law enforcement, which concluded with thousands of participants gathering at a town hall and later marching together despite restrictions. The visit was seen as an attempt by Mr. Albanese to support the Jewish community in Australia during a difficult time. The protests highlighted divisions within Australian society over Israeli policies.

The Palestine Action Group plans to march in Sydney's CBD during Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit, prompting a standoff with NSW police. The planned march, intended to proceed from Sydney Town Hall to state parliament, is in breach of a public assembly declaration. Police are urging the group to alter their route, and negotiations are ongoing between authorities and Josh Lees of the Palestine Action Group. The Palestine Action Group is also preparing a court challenge against the NSW premier's use of special powers in relation to the rally. The events are scheduled to occur on Monday night.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit to Australia this week has been met with widespread protests. Thousands of people gathered in cities and towns across the country on Monday to demonstrate against Herzog's presence. The protests were organized by pro-Palestine groups who accuse Herzog of complicity in civilian deaths in Gaza. Herzog's visit, following an invitation from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, aims to express solidarity with Australia's Jewish community after a mass shooting in Sydney last December. Protesters in Sydney voiced concerns over a perceived lack of acknowledgment from Australian leadership regarding the Palestinian people and Gazans.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog is visiting Australia to commemorate the victims of the Bondi Beach mass shooting in December 2025. Pro-Palestine groups are organizing rallies in Sydney, Perth, Melbourne, and Canberra on Monday to protest Herzog's visit. Despite restrictions on public protests enacted by the state of New South Wales, the Palestine Action Group plans to march in Sydney, arguing that Herzog should be held accountable for the actions of the Israeli government in Gaza. The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) asserts that Herzog's rhetoric has been cited in assessing the risk of genocide. Protesters aim to raise awareness of the situation in Gaza during Herzog's visit.

An Australian teenager has been charged with making online threats against a foreign head of state, widely reported to be Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who is scheduled to visit Australia on Sunday. The 19-year-old was denied bail and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in jail. Herzog's five-day visit, at the invitation of the Australian Prime Minister following a shooting at a Jewish festival in December, has sparked controversy and planned protests across numerous Australian cities. Opposition stems from pro-Palestine groups and those critical of Israel's actions in Gaza. Some politicians are calling for the invitation to be withdrawn due to concerns about the visit causing significant animosity.

Several NSW Labor backbenchers plan to protest the upcoming visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog to Sydney. The protests are scheduled for next week. The backbenchers are defying the NSW Premier's opposition to such rallies. One MLC stated his reason for protesting is that Australia should not welcome the leader of a state allegedly engaged in genocide. Another member plans to attend to demonstrate that recent events in Bondi were not caused by protests. The backbenchers are proceeding with their protest despite the Premier's stance.

The Palestine Action Group plans to protest Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit to Sydney on February 9th. This demonstration is part of a larger, nationwide protest. Despite extended restrictions on protests issued by the New South Wales police commissioner, the group intends to march from Town Hall to state parliament. A spokesperson for the Palestine Action Group, Josh Lees, is urging the NSW police to allow a peaceful rally. The group is calling on the police to "exercise their discretion" and facilitate the march.

Australian and Palestinian legal groups are urging the Australian Federal Police to investigate and arrest Doron Almog, a retired Israeli general, upon his arrival in Australia. Almog is expected to travel with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. The legal groups allege Almog committed war crimes in Gaza in 2002, for which he has previously faced arrest warrants, allegations he denies. The request coincides with growing opposition to President Herzog's visit, including planned protests and criticism from some Labor MPs. Almog is traveling in his capacity as chair of the Jewish Agency for Israel. The legal groups are seeking his arrest based on these historical allegations.

Darcy Tinning, a 19-year-old from Sydney, appeared in court after allegedly threatening Israeli President Isaac Herzog ahead of his visit to Australia. Tinning is accused of posting a threat on X on January 19, stating he would shoot Herzog with a pistol. The threat was allegedly made in connection to Herzog's planned visit to Australia. Tinning is also accused of making a remark that constitutes hate speech, and of threatening to kill Donald Trump. The case is ongoing.