Israeli President Isaac Herzog is set to begin a four-day visit to Sydney on Monday, invited by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The primary purpose of this visit is to honor the victims of the Bondi Beach terrorist attack that occurred in December, resulting in the deaths of 15 individuals during a Hanukkah event. The visit is seen positively by various Jewish organizations and will be acknowledged by 30 cities in Australia. However, it has also drawn significant controversy, fueling a divide among the Australian public.

Opposition to Herzog's visit is evident in planned pro-Palestinian demonstrations scheduled for the same time, with approximately 5,000 participants expected. In anticipation of these protests, around 3,000 police officers have been deployed in Sydney to maintain peace. The strong public reaction highlights the contentious political climate regarding Israeli actions in Gaza, especially following findings from a UN commission that pointed to potential genocide against Palestinians.

The protests and calls for Herzog's arrest reflect a growing awareness and activism around issues of human rights and international law in relation to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The mixed reception of Herzog's visit not only emphasizes the differences in public opinion on this sensitive issue but also suggests a deeper discourse on Australia's stance toward Israel and Palestine in the context of global human rights advocacy.