In New South Wales, Australia, activists from the Palestine Action Group are contesting the state government’s deployment of major event powers, which they argue are being used illegitimately to curtail protests against Israeli President Isaac Herzog. The legal challenge was brought before the Supreme Court during an urgent session as tensions escalated surrounding Herzog's visit, which has sparked significant backlash among pro-Palestine groups. The activists aimed to march in protest against Herzog's policies and the broader implications of his visit for the Palestinian cause.

The New South Wales government has granted police special powers effective until Thursday, enhancing their authority in certain areas of Sydney. This policy is usually applied to major sporting events, but the Palestine Action Group claims it is now being misapplied to diminish the rights to assemble and protest against important political visitors. The government, however, defended these measures, stating that they are essential to maintain public order and ensure the safety of both the visiting president and the local community during this sensitive event.

The outcome of this court case could have broader implications for the balance between maintaining public safety and protecting the right to protest in Australia. As these legal arguments unfold, they underline the contentious dynamics of political expression in the context of international relations, particularly concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which continues to evoke passionate responses on both sides of the debate in Australia and beyond.