Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is under increasing pressure to reconsider his invitation to Israeli President Isaac Herzog, as tensions rise following the Bondi massacre. The invitation, extended in December, has sparked internal debate within Australia, highlighting the potential for social unrest when Herzog arrives in the coming weeks.
Albanese’s decision to invite Herzog was initially welcomed by major Jewish groups, who saw it as a gesture of support for a community grieving the loss of 15 lives. However, the visit, planned for early February, is expected to attract significant protests from pro-Palestinian groups, necessitating heightened security measures.
Security Concerns and Political Pressure
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon announced an extension of restrictions on protests in Sydney for another 14 days, citing safety concerns following the Bondi terror attack. Meanwhile, Labor Friends of Palestine, a faction within the Labor Party advocating for Palestinian statehood, has urged Albanese to rescind Herzog’s invitation.
“Should Herzog enter Australia, the Australian Federal Police should urgently investigate him for alleged incitement of genocide, and complicity in war crimes and crimes against humanity,” the group asserted in their letter.
The group accuses Herzog of supporting violations of international law, pointing to his alleged actions and statements during the Gaza conflict. Herzog, who served as Israel’s head of state during the conflict, has been linked to controversial comments and actions, including signing a bomb destined for Gaza in December 2023.
International and Domestic Reactions
The International Court of Justice has cited Herzog’s comments as evidence of potential violations under the Genocide Convention. Herzog’s remarks about the responsibility of the Palestinian nation for the October 7 attacks have been widely criticized, though he insists they were taken out of context.
A United Nations commission of inquiry previously found Herzog and other Israeli officials potentially liable for incitement to genocide. However, Mike Kelly, co-convenor of Labor Friends of Israel, dismissed calls for Herzog to be investigated or uninvited as “ridiculous.”
“He’s a Labor man, he’s been trying to get the balance right in dealing with the Netanyahu coalition. He has had no administrative role in the war,” Kelly stated, defending Herzog’s largely ceremonial role.
Community Divisions and Diplomatic Implications
The Zionist Federation of Australia supports Herzog’s visit, viewing it as a chance to strengthen ties between Australia and Israel. Jeremy Leibler, the federation’s president, praised Albanese for the invitation, emphasizing the comfort it would bring to the Jewish community.
Conversely, progressive Jewish organizations have expressed concern that Herzog’s visit could provoke mass protests and exacerbate antisemitism. The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network criticized the invitation as a moral failure, arguing it insults those protesting Israel’s actions in Gaza.
“The visit risks provoking mass protests, which would be attended by significant numbers of Jewish people, and exacerbating antisemitism by implicitly associating Jewish people with alleged war crimes,” the group warned.
Looking Ahead: Diplomatic Challenges
As the debate continues, the Australian government faces a complex diplomatic challenge. Balancing international relations with Israel and addressing domestic concerns about human rights and security will require careful navigation.
Colin Rubenstein, executive director of the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council, criticized attempts to derail Herzog’s visit as “sickening,” emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong bilateral relations.
“The Australian Jewish community is, now more than ever, looking forward to the visit of Herzog – who, throughout his career has been a tireless advocate for Israeli–Palestinian peace and good relations – as is every Australian who genuinely eager for a peaceful future between Israelis and Palestinians,” Rubenstein concluded.
As preparations for Herzog’s visit continue, the Albanese government must weigh the potential for unrest against the diplomatic benefits of hosting the Israeli president. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the outcome of this contentious invitation.
