An urgent Supreme Court challenge has been launched against extraordinary police powers granted for the Monday visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog to Sydney, with authorities issuing stark warnings for residents to steer clear of the city centre.
High-Security Lockdown Sweeps Sydney CBD
A comprehensive security cordon is being established across Sydney's central business district, resulting in widespread street closures, bus diversions, and vehicle towing operations ahead of President Herzog's arrival. The heightened measures reflect concerns over potential tensions during the diplomatic visit.
"You will see motorcades. Obviously with the tensions associated with this visit, you will see additional numbers," stated NSW Police acting assistant commissioner Paul Dunstan, emphasising the unprecedented security preparations.
Diplomatic Visit Follows Bondi Tragedy
President Herzog has been invited by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese following the Bondi terror attack, with the visit intended to facilitate meetings with Australian leaders and provide comfort to victims and their families.
"The President's come here to mourn and that's very understandable. I don't want to see trouble on our streets as a result," explained NSW transport minister John Graham, highlighting the delicate nature of the visit.
Protest Group Mounts Legal Challenge
The Palestine Action Group is taking NSW Premier Chris Minns to the Supreme Court to contest protest restrictions imposed for a planned rally at Town Hall on Monday evening. The group has condemned what it describes as "absolutely extraordinary and draconian powers to basically shut down our entire city."
"And for what? In the interest of parading out a war criminal to this country," declared spokesperson Josh Lees, expressing the group's strong opposition to the security measures.
Authorities Propose Alternative Protest Location
Officials have urged the Palestine Action Group to relocate their demonstration to Hyde Park, which falls outside the declared zone prohibiting protest marches. This recommendation stems from concerns about potential conflicts between police and protesters during the sensitive visit.
The group previously achieved a significant legal victory that enabled more than 100,000 people to march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, demonstrating their capacity for successful legal challenges.
"We should have the right to protest," Lees continued passionately. "These streets of Sydney belong to the people of Sydney. They do not belong to the Israeli president or the Premier Chris Minns."
Legal Proceedings Face Time Constraints
Some 260 pages of legal arguments were submitted to the Supreme Court late Sunday afternoon in an attempt to prevent the protest restrictions from taking effect at midnight. A judge acknowledged insufficient time for a Sunday evening hearing but indicated consideration of an urgent Monday meeting to determine the restrictions' legality.
Extended Security Measures Announced
Comprehensive security arrangements will remain throughout President Herzog's visit, featuring:
- Rolling road closures across inner city and eastern suburbs
- Random vehicle inspection points operating all week
- Phillip Street closure until Thursday with surrounding exclusion zones
- Campbell Parade at Bondi closing for two hours on Monday
- Darling Harbour area road closures between 5pm and 10pm
"Our overall message to commuters and to people who work in the city is if you can stay away tomorrow afternoon, it is best to do so," advised NSW secretary of transport Josh Murray, underscoring the significant disruptions expected.
The situation represents a complex intersection of diplomatic protocol, security concerns, and civil liberties, with the Supreme Court poised to make a crucial determination about protest rights during high-profile international visits.
