Violent Clashes Erupt in Sydney: 27 Arrested as Police Charge Anti-Israel Protesters During President Herzog’s Visit
SYDNEY — A heavy police presence and violent scuffles marked the beginning of Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s state visit to Australia on Monday, as authorities moved to disperse thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered near Sydney’s Town Hall.
New South Wales Police confirmed late Monday that 27 people were taken into custody following the chaotic scenes in the central business district. Among those arrested, 10 individuals have been charged with allegedly assaulting police officers, while others face charges related to hindering police, failing to comply with official directions, and breach of the peace.
The confrontation escalated shortly after 5:00 p.m. when a crowd estimated at over 5,000 people attempted to march from Town Hall toward the New South Wales Parliament House. The protest, organized by the Palestine Action Group, was met by a formidable line of officers who had been granted expanded authority under the state’s Major Events Act. These special powers allowed law enforcement to lock down specific zones and restrict public movement to ensure the security of the visiting dignitary.
Witnesses at the scene described a tense standoff that rapidly deteriorated. As demonstrators chanted slogans condemning the Israeli President and attempted to push through police barricades, officers responded by charging the crowd. Video footage circulating on social media shows police deploying capsicum spray (pepper spray) and physically restraining protesters, some of whom were pinned to the ground.
“The police began charging the crowd with horses, indiscriminately pepper spraying the crowd, punching and arresting people,” a spokesperson for the Palestine Action Group said in a statement. Conversely, NSW Police defended their response, stating that officers were forced to act when the crowd became non-compliant and aggressive. “When participants failed to comply with directions to disperse, officers moved to clear the area to ensure public safety,” a police statement read.
The unrest comes as President Herzog arrived in Australia at the invitation of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The visit was intended to pay respects to the victims of the terror attack that occurred during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach on December 14, 2025, which claimed the lives of 15 people.
On Tuesday morning, Prime Minister Albanese addressed the violence, expressing that he was “devastated” by the images coming out of Sydney. Speaking to local radio, he urged for calm and called for any further demonstrations to remain peaceful. “Australians want two things: they want the killing to stop, whether it’s Israelis or Palestinians, but they do not want conflict brought here,” Albanese said. “The causes are not advanced by these sorts of scenes—they are undermined.”
Despite the Prime Minister’s call for unity, the visit has drawn sharp criticism from various political figures and human rights groups. Abigail Boyd, a Greens MP in the state parliament who attended the rally, alleged she was assaulted by officers while attempting to leave the area. “I have a very sore arm and shoulder where they punched me. I’m really in shock,” she told reporters.
The protesters argue that President Herzog should not be welcomed in Australia, citing a United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry report from last year that accused him of inciting genocide—a claim vehemently denied by the Israeli government.
Security remains tight across Sydney as President Herzog continues his four-day itinerary, which includes meetings with government officials and members of the Jewish community. Further protests are anticipated later in the week as the President travels to Melbourne and Canberra.
* indiatimes.com
* forward.com
* timesofisrael.com
* theguardian.com
* timesofisrael.com
* nationalpost.com
* middleeasteye.net
* amnesty.org.au
* sbs.com.au
