Israeli prez Herzog begins 4-day Australia visit, pays tribute at Bondi amid Palestine recognition controversy

Israeli President Isaac Herzog arrived in Australia on Monday for a four-day state visit aimed at supporting the Jewish community still reeling from the Bondi Beach massacre, where two gunmen allegedly inspired by the Islamic State killed 15 people last December. Herzog laid a wreath and two stones from Jerusalem at the rain-soaked Bondi Pavilion, which became an impromptu memorial following the tragedy. Meeting victims’ families and survivors, he expressed solidarity, saying he came to show “love and support at this devastating time.”

The primary purpose of the visit is to console grieving families and communities while reaffirming Israel’s commitment to global Jewish solidarity. Herzog also seeks to strengthen diplomatic ties with Australia, emphasizing shared democratic values and long-standing cooperation. Sydney and Melbourne, which together host 85% of Australia’s Jewish population, have experienced a rise in antisemitism following the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, making the visit both symbolic and politically significant.

Herzog’s visit reflects the Jewish community’s tradition of mutual support and protection , rooted in historical trauma and centuries of persecution. For many Australian Jews, his presence represents comfort, reassurance, and a visible demonstration that the global Jewish community stands together.

However, the visit has sparked controversy. Critics argue Herzog’s presence may exacerbate social divisions rather than heal them. Human rights lawyer Chris Sidoti described the invitation as “a crazy idea,” warning it could “undermine social cohesion” amid protests planned by the Palestine Action Group in Sydney. Some experts cite a UN inquiry alleging Herzog and other Israeli officials incited acts in Gaza that could amount to genocide, though Israel rejects these claims as antisemitic “blood libel.” Albanese government lawmaker Ed Husic said the visit “doesn’t necessarily enhance social cohesion.”

Diplomatic tensions also frame the visit. Netanyahu criticized Albanese’s government for recognizing a Palestinian state, blaming it for fueling antisemitism after the Bondi attack, while Albanese accused Netanyahu of ignoring the humanitarian impact of Israel’s military operations in Gaza. Jewish community leaders have emphasized the solemn purpose of Herzog’s trip: comforting families affected by the massacre, reaffirming Australia-Israel relations , and fostering a narrative of unity and resilience. Alex Ryvchin, co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, said Herzog’s visit would “lift the spirits of a pained community” and help recalibrate relations between the two nations.Authorities in New South Wales have prepared for possible confrontations by expanding police powers to restrict protests following declared terrorist attacks. Premier Chris Minns stressed that these measures are necessary to protect mourners, demonstrators, and a visiting head of state simultaneously.

The visit coincides with ongoing regional tensions in the Middle East . On Monday, Israeli forces seized a local official from a Sunni Islamist group allied with Hamas in southern Lebanon during a “targeted intelligence-based operation.” In a separate strike in the southern Lebanese village of Yanouh, an Israeli drone killed three people, including a child. The Islamic Group, Lebanon’s branch of the Muslim Brotherhood, condemned the seizure and called for the official’s release, describing it as part of Israel’s daily violations of Lebanese sovereignty.

The Islamic Group’s armed wing, the Fajr Forces, allied with Hezbollah after the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023, launching rockets into Israel in support of Hamas. Israel responded with widespread bombardments and a ground invasion in Lebanon. The conflict killed more than 4,000 people in Lebanon, including hundreds of civilians, and caused an estimated $11 billion in damage, while 127 Israelis died, including 80 soldiers. Since the 2024 US-brokered ceasefire, Israel has continued near-daily operations to target Hezbollah strongholds, citing security threats.