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Protests Expected During Herzog’s Australia Visit

Israeli President Herzog to Visit Australia Amid Heightened Tensions

SITUATION SUMMARY | Intelligence cut off: 14:30 GMT 06 FEBRUARY 2026

Israeli President Isaac Herzog is scheduled to visit Australia between 8 and 12 February. Herzog will land in Sydney and then visit Canberra and Melbourne. He will meet several members of the local Jewish community and Australian political figures.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese invited Herzog to Australia in the aftermath of the December 2025 Bondi Beach terror attack in Sydney, when two Islamic State (IS)-inspired attackers opened fire on a Hanukkah celebration on the beach, killing 15 people and wounding more than 40.

Following the announcement of the visit, several protests were held in Australia, including a large rally in central Sydney on 2 February.

Several protests are scheduled to take place during Herzog’s visit, as part of a “National Day of Action” organised by Australian pro-Palestine groups and promoted by international organisations such as Amnesty International. In Sydney, a protest is planned for 9 February, starting at 17:30 (local time). Protesters are planning to march in the Central Business District (CBD), from the Town Hall to the New South Wales (NSW) Parliament House. Further protests are scheduled to occur between Hyde Park and Belmore Park.

Protests on the same day will also be held in other cities, including:

Melbourne (Flinders St. Station area)
Perth (Forrest Pl.)
Canberra (Garema Place)
Darwin (Parliament)
Brisbane (King George Sq.)
Adelaide (Parliament)

NSW police have issued a Public Assembly Restriction Declaration (PARD) for the CBD (excluding Hyde Park) and parts of eastern Sydney. The PARD framework excludes protests from being protected under the Summary Offences Act, meaning that police have increased powers to detain attendees.

INTELLIGENCE ANALYSIS

High Likelihood of Large-Scale Protests and Arrests in Australia

Following the October 2025 ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, large-scale pro-Palestine protests have continued to occur regularly in Australia, often coinciding with events involving Israeli figures or companies.

Several of these protests have been characterised by clashes. For instance, in early November 2025, pro-Palestine protesters clashed with police outside the Sydney International Convention Centre, which was hosting an expo attended by weapons manufacturers. In September 2024, protesters and police clashed during a similar expo in Melbourne, with the protests resulting in more than 110 arrests.

It is highly likely that the protests scheduled to occur during Herzog’s visit will attract thousands of attendees, particularly in Sydney. In Sydney, the planned protest route passes through the CBD and will therefore be subject to PARD. Consequently, there is a higher likelihood of police carrying out mass arrests, which would likely lead to clashes.

If significant clashes break out, police may deploy pepper spray, tear gas, stun grenades and rubber bullets. Protests are highly likely to disrupt traffic in Sydney, possibly blockading key roadways like Anzac Bridge, Sydney Harbour Bridge (as during previous pro-Palestine protests), A4, Park Street, King Street, William Street, and Druitt Street.

While the 9 February protests in Sydney are likely to be the largest, it is highly likely that smaller protests will be held throughout Herzog’s visit throughout the country. Moreover, previous pro-Palestine protests in Australia have been attended by counterprotests, and there is a realistic possibility of clashes between opposing protester groups.

Extremist violence targeting protest attendees, possible counter-protesters, or Jewish individuals and places of worship cannot be ruled out. In late January, police detained a 19-year-old Sydney resident for allegedly threatening to assassinate Herzog. Moreover, several calls for violence against Herzog have appeared on social media, including appeals to extremist groups to join the protests.

Travel and Safety Guidance for Australia

Closely monitor local news reports, government alerts, and a travel risk management provider’s alert feed for updates relevant to the demonstrations.
Avoid the designated protest locations in large Australian cities.
Avoid the CBD area in Sydney throughout 9 February.
If travelling near protest locations, it is advised to avoid, if possible, carrying identifiable national or religious symbols.
If caught in a protest, try to move away if it is safe to do so, and always abide by authority directions.
If you are unable to leave, take precautions to minimise risks. These include moving away from hard barriers, remaining upright, and moving with and not against the crowd.
Have emergency contact numbers saved on your phone. These should include local authorities, medical facilities and any consular support. Ensure that mobile phones are charged ahead of travel.

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