Israeli President Isaac Herzog is scheduled to visit Australia from February 8th to 12th, following an invitation from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in the wake of the December shooting at Bondi Beach. The visit will include meetings with Australian federal leaders, including the Governor General and Prime Minister, as well as leaders from across the political spectrum.
Visit Draws Mixed Reaction
The upcoming visit has sparked a range of responses. President Herzog is expected to meet with survivors of the attack, in which 15 people were killed during a Hanukkah celebration when a father and son opened fire. A statement from Herzog’s office indicated he will also visit Jewish communities across Australia to offer support.
However, the visit is not without controversy. Legal groups have called for the Australian Federal Police to investigate Herzog, alleging he has incited genocide. This stems from a UN Human Rights Council inquiry that found comments Herzog made after the October 7th attacks by Hamas against Israel could be interpreted as evidence of genocidal intent. Herzog has denied these allegations, stating his remarks were taken out of context.
The Labor Friends of Palestine group has publicly called for the government to rescind its invitation to Herzog. Conversely, the Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) has welcomed the announcement, planning to host events in Sydney and Melbourne during the visit. ZFA President Jeremy Leibler stated the visit “affirms the strong bonds between Australia and Israel.”
The Jewish Council of Australia (JCA), a group formed in 2024 representing non-Zionist Jews, has also called for the invitation to be withdrawn. JCA executive officer Sarah Schwartz argued that inviting Herzog risks “entrenching the dangerous and antisemitic conflation between Jewish identity and the actions of the Israeli state.”
Should the visit proceed as planned, it could lead to further public debate and scrutiny of Australia’s relationship with Israel. It is also possible that protests or demonstrations will occur during Herzog’s time in Australia. Alternatively, the visit could be used as an opportunity for dialogue and reconciliation between different communities. The outcome will likely depend on the tone and content of the meetings between Herzog and Australian leaders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Isaac Herzog invited to Australia?
Isaac Herzog was invited to Australia by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in the aftermath of the shooting at Bondi Beach on December 14th.
What are the allegations against Isaac Herzog?
Legal groups have urged Australian authorities to investigate Isaac Herzog for allegedly inciting genocide, based on a UN Human Rights Council inquiry into his comments following the October 7th attacks by Hamas.
What is the position of the Jewish Council of Australia on the visit?
The Jewish Council of Australia, a progressive group, has called for the government to rescind Herzog’s invitation, arguing it is insensitive and risks conflating Jewish identity with the actions of the Israeli state.
How might this visit impact Australia’s diplomatic relationships in the region?
