Major Security Operation Underway as Canberra Prepares for Israeli President's Controversial Visit
Canberra residents are being warned to brace for significant delays and disruptions on Wednesday as thousands of protesters from across the ACT and interstate converge on Parliament House to demonstrate against Israeli President Isaac Herzog's official visit. The planned rally comes amid heightened tensions following violent clashes at similar protests in Sydney earlier this week.
Protesters Gather to Voice Opposition to Herzog's Presence
Activists from the Palestine Action Group Canberra and other organisations will assemble on the front lawns of Parliament House to protest both President Herzog's visit and the Albanese government's decision to welcome him. The demonstration represents a significant show of opposition to what organisers describe as Australia's support for Israeli policies in the Middle East.
Diana Abdel-Rahman, coordinator of Palestine Action Group Canberra, expressed strong criticism of the visit, stating that President Herzog has been accused of inciting genocide and that his presence would "tarnish Australian democracy." She pointed to his speeches forming part of the International Court of Justice genocide case brought forward by South Africa.
"We are aggrieved by the fact that he's coming to our Parliament House," Ms Abdel-Rahman said. "Our Parliament House is a place of democracy, and this visit undermines that principle."
Jewish Community Welcomes Visit as Show of Solidarity
In contrast, Jewish community leaders and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have defended President Herzog's visit as appropriate and welcome, particularly in the wake of the deadly anti-Semitic terrorist attack at Bondi Beach in December 2025.
Prime Minister Albanese told Parliament that President Herzog was visiting "to offer sympathy and solidarity to people who are mourning and to offer his support to members of Australia's Jewish community." He emphasised that the Israeli President had described his visit as being "in the spirit of solidarity, friendship and love."
Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, said the Jewish community "warmly welcomes the arrival of the Israeli President," describing it as an opportunity to lift spirits and recalibrate bilateral relations between historic allies.
Police Prepare for Large-Scale Security Operation
ACT Policing has confirmed that a strong police presence should be expected across the National Triangle on Wednesday as officers manage both the presidential motorcade and the anticipated protests. Significant traffic disruptions are expected during the morning as police travel alongside the Israeli president's convoy from Canberra Airport into the city.
Ms Abdel-Rahman noted that her organisation has maintained a good relationship with ACT police over the past two years, contrasting their approach with that of NSW police during recent violent protests in Sydney. "ACT police are not NSW," she said. "ACT police behave and operate as we expect police to in a protest."
Violent Sydney Protests Raise Concerns
The Canberra rally follows unrest in Sydney, where protests against President Herzog's visit turned violent on Monday night, resulting in more than 27 arrests. Footage showed protesters being punched and sprayed with capsicum spray by officers, with NSW Premier Chris Minns defending police actions by stating the rally had become "in effect ... a riot."
Independent senator David Pocock described the confrontation as a "totally unacceptable use of force against peaceful protesters" and expressed concern that the visit was "further widening the already deepening divisions in our society."
Prime Minister Albanese acknowledged concerns about NSW police's actions, describing the violence as "devastating" and noting that the NSW Police would examine the footage. However, he maintained his support for President Herzog's presence in Australia.
Political Responses Highlight Deep Divisions
The visit has exposed significant political divisions, with Greens MP Elizabeth Watson-Brown asking the Prime Minister if he would "condemn police violence" at the Sydney rally and send President Herzog home. Mr Albanese responded that he would not "walk away from my support for his presence here."
The Prime Minister called for Australians to "turn the temperature down" and understand the context of the visit, while acknowledging the challenging circumstances surrounding the protests.
As Canberra prepares for Wednesday's events, authorities are balancing the right to peaceful protest with security concerns, creating a complex operational environment that will test both police resources and community relations.
