In Sydney, a planned rally against Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit has led to a standoff between protest organizers and New South Wales police. The Palestine Action Group intends to march through the Central Business District (CBD) but is facing restrictions put in place by the police. These restrictions involve a public assembly declaration which limits protests in certain areas, effectively prohibiting the march from proceeding as initially planned.

Police negotiations, led by acting assistant commissioner Paul Dunstan, have suggested an alternative route that would take protesters to Hyde Park before continuing to Belmore Park. The Palestine Action Group, displeased with this direction, is preparing to legally challenge the extension of powers used by the police that they believe undermine the right to protest. The protest event is set for Monday night, creating a timely urgency as discussions with law enforcement continue.

This situation highlights the ongoing tension between authorities and protest groups in Australia, particularly regarding issues of free speech and assembly. The outcome of the negotiations and the potential court challenge could have wider implications for how protests are managed in future and may influence public discourse regarding governmental powers in relation to public demonstrations.