Major Police Operation Underway in Sydney Ahead of Israeli President's Arrival
New South Wales Police have launched a significant security operation across Sydney's central business district as Israeli President Isaac Herzog prepares to visit the city on Monday. Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna has confirmed that approximately 500 officers have been deployed in what authorities describe as a New Year's Eve-style operation, with road closures extending from Circular Quay to Bondi Junction.
Community Safety Remains Top Priority
Assistant Commissioner McKenna emphasised that community safety represents the force's highest priority during the high-profile visit. "We'll have a significant police presence around the city. We've got a head of state coming to visit us, so we have an obligation to make sure they're kept safe, but also all of the communities kept safe," McKenna stated during a television interview.
The senior police officer acknowledged that multiple protests are expected throughout the day, with authorities prepared to manage potential disruptions. "We understand that there will be a protest today, at least one, maybe more, but we're ready for that," McKenna added, highlighting the extensive preparations undertaken by law enforcement agencies.
Legal Challenges and Protest Restrictions
Meanwhile, the Palestinian Action Group has initiated urgent Supreme Court proceedings seeking to overturn restrictions on a planned rally scheduled to proceed from Town Hall to State Parliament on Macquarie Street. The hearing commenced at 10am on Monday, with a decision anticipated before the protest's scheduled evening start time.
The activist organisation is also challenging the extended police powers implemented specifically for the presidential visit. These enhanced authorities enable officers to:
- Issue substantially higher fines to demonstrators
- Move people on from designated areas more effectively
- Remove legal protections for protestors attempting to march through city streets
Negotiations Over Protest Locations
Assistant Commissioner McKenna revealed that police have been engaged in ongoing negotiations with protest organisers regarding demonstration locations. Authorities have expressed a preference for Hyde Park as the primary protest site, while organisers have indicated their intention to gather at Town Hall.
"The protesters have told us they want to go to Town Hall. We would have preferred Hyde Park, and we'll continue to negotiate with them to go to Hyde Park, where they can have a public procession," McKenna explained. "But at the moment, if they decide it is Town Hall, well, they can have a static public assembly there, and we will police that, but we'll be making sure it's all about community safety."
Clear Guidelines for Demonstrations
The police commander confirmed that regardless of the Supreme Court's decision, mobile processions through Sydney's streets will not be permitted during the presidential visit. "The law is that they can have a static assembly in somewhere that is not impeding people or stopping vehicles on the roadway," Assistant Commissioner McKenna clarified.
He outlined the police approach to managing demonstrations: "If they do that the right way, they listen to police, we'll be able to facilitate that. If people come along to do the wrong thing or disregard the law, then we will take appropriate action. But we're hoping we don't have to use any powers. We really don't want any trouble; we want to make sure that it's a nice, peaceful day and that the community is kept safe."
Public Advisory and Transport Impacts
Assistant Commissioner McKenna advised Sydney residents to proceed with their normal daily activities where possible while remaining mindful of areas affected by traffic restrictions and public assemblies. He specifically recommended that commuters:
- Check Transport for NSW updates regularly for the latest information
- Avoid locations with known traffic restrictions when possible
- Approach police officers directly for assistance if required
During his Sydney visit, President Herzog is scheduled to meet with the fifteen families affected by the alleged Bondi terror attack, adding another layer of significance to the security arrangements surrounding his Australian itinerary.
