Israeli President Isaac Herzog arrived in Sydney, Australia, for an official state visit amid tight security and calls for protests from pro-Palestinian and human rights groups.
Shortly after his arrival, Herzog visited Bondi Beach, where he laid a wreath outside the pavilion in honor of the 15 victims of the mass shooting that occurred during a Hanukkah celebration on December 14, 2025, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported.
The terrorist attack occurred when two gunmen opened fire. Addressing the media, Herzog condemned "the spread of anti-Semitism as a global emergency."
Security in Sydney has been tightened, with road closures in several places and more than 3.000 police officers deployed.
Pro-Palestinian groups are planning protests across Australia on Monday afternoon against Herzog's visit.
A UN Human Rights Council special commission of inquiry into the war in the Gaza Strip found last year that Israel was committing genocide and said that comments made by Herzog after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, were evidence of genocidal intent.
Police have been negotiating with protesters, asking them to change their route outside a restricted area in the heart of Sydney.
The protesters have denied the demand and insist they will gather at Sydney Town Hall before marching to the New South Wales parliament.
