Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has strongly defended his decision to invite Israeli President Isaac Herzog to Australia, rejecting claims that the visit has damaged social cohesion. The defence comes amid growing controversy over violent clashes at a Sydney protest and a police watchdog investigation into the handling of demonstrators.
Violent Clashes at Sydney Town Hall
Violent confrontations erupted on Monday night at Sydney Town Hall during a demonstration against the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Disturbing footage circulating online shows police officers dragging kneeling Muslim worshippers to their feet before forcing some to the ground again as officers enforced move-on directions.
Nearly thirty people were arrested during the protest, with ten individuals facing formal charges. New South Wales Police employed extraordinary powers to restrict demonstrations in parts of the central business district and eastern suburbs during Herzog's visit, citing significant community safety concerns as their justification.
Albanese's Defence of the Presidential Visit
Speaking on the Sydney Morning Herald's Inside Politics podcast, Prime Minister Albanese stated the visit was primarily about supporting Australia's Jewish community following the tragic Bondi attack. He emphasized that Herzog's role as Israeli president is largely ceremonial, comparing his position to that of Australia's Governor-General, Sam Mostyn.
"You can have a strong position on the Middle East and on justice for Palestinians," Albanese explained. "That doesn't mean that you can't empathise and understand that the Jewish community are really hurting in Australia."
The Prime Minister noted that Herzog does not sit within Israel's military chain of command, though he has publicly expressed support for the country's war effort. Albanese described the Israeli president as a centre-left figure who is "not a member of the Netanyahu government" and stressed that the invitation did not constitute an endorsement of all Herzog's views.
Concerns About Prayer Disruption
Despite defending the presidential visit, Albanese expressed serious concern about Muslim worshippers being disturbed while praying during the protest. "I'm concerned at the great deal of hurt which the Muslim community are feeling about the disruption of prayers," he stated. "I think that is something that needs a full explanation. I know that that has caused a great deal of distress."
Police Watchdog Investigation Launched
The state's police watchdog, the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission, has confirmed it will investigate the police operation during the protest, including specific allegations of misconduct. The commission will review:
- Video and phone footage from the incident
- Official police records and documentation
- Additional material and witness statements
The investigation will culminate in a formal report to parliament, providing transparency about the events that unfolded during the demonstration.
Criticism of Protest Organisers
Prime Minister Albanese also criticised what he described as "far left" organisers who rejected police proposals to relocate the rally to Hyde Park. He expressed frustration that organisers declined what he considered a reasonable compromise that would have ensured separation between groups.
"The organisers were engaged with the police. They chose not to come up with or participate in a sensible way that would have ensured separation by having the meeting in Hyde Park and then walking to Belmore Park," Albanese said. "It is beyond my comprehension why that would not be taken up, that suggestion by the New South Wales Police."
The Prime Minister added a pointed observation about protest tactics: "They need to comprehend that sometimes the actions don't actually advance a cause. They undermine it, and that is what has occurred."
Humanitarian Aspect of the Visit
Albanese highlighted the humanitarian dimension of Herzog's visit, noting that the president and his wife had primarily spent their time in Sydney consoling grieving women affected by recent violence. He posed a rhetorical question about the potential consequences of denying the visit: "Can you imagine the message that that would send to the world, frankly, that we denied the head of state of Israel the opportunity, upon invitation, particularly from the families at Bondi, to come and grieve with them?"
The Prime Minister's comments reflect the delicate balancing act facing Australian leadership as they navigate complex international relationships while maintaining domestic social cohesion during periods of heightened tension.
