Protesters defy police warning ahead of Israeli president's Sydney visit

Thousands of protesters are preparing to challenge police restrictions as they rally against the upcoming visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog, with NSW Police warning that arrests are likely if demonstrators proceed along a prohibited route.

Protests have been organised in every state capital ahead of Mr Herzog's five-day Australian visit, with a major rally planned for Sydney on Monday. Organisers have flagged a march from Town Hall to NSW Parliament House, but police say that route is barred under a declaration that allows authorities to refuse approval for public assemblies in designated areas of the city.

NSW Police have urged the Palestine Action Group to relocate the protest to an authorised route, warning that failure to do so could result in enforcement action.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Paul Dunstan said police did not want to confront demonstrators but made it clear the current plan carried legal risks.
"We do not want to be placed in a situation where we are at Town Hall on Monday evening with a significant number of people enforcing the declaration," he said on Friday.
"That may and potentially will result in arrests. That can be easily avoided through consultation and working with us to enable protest activity in the right area at the right time."

Police have suggested an alternative lawful march from Hyde Park to Belmont Park, a route used during protests on Sunday.

The warning comes after new laws were rushed through the NSW Parliament following the Bondi shooting, granting police broader powers to block authorisation of rallies after a declared terrorist incident. Without approval, participants risk arrest for offences such as obstructing traffic or pedestrians.

Around 4,000 protesters are expected to attend Monday's rally, with about 500 police officers deployed to manage the event.
"While all visits by heads of state are well policed, there is a little bit more attention with this one," Dunstan said.

Mr Herzog was controversially invited to Australia by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese following the deadly attack on a Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach in December. During his visit, the Israeli president is expected to meet federal politicians and people affected by the attack.

However, protesters and human rights advocates have called for the invitation to be withdrawn, accusing Mr Herzog of responsibility for Israel's military actions in Gaza, including the bombardment and starvation of Palestinian civilians.

The criticism centres on comments made by Mr Herzog after Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, in which he said Palestinians bore collective responsibility. A commission of inquiry by the United Nations Human Rights Council later found the remarks could reasonably be interpreted as inciting genocide.

Mr Herzog has rejected that interpretation, insisting his words were taken out of context and do not amount to incitement.

Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles defended the visit, describing Mr Herzog as a "welcome and honoured guest".

"To have the president of Israel here - the equivalent of our governor-general - is really significant for Australia's Jewish community in the aftermath of the Bondi massacre," Mr Marles said.