In response to Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit to Australia, protests broke out in Sydney and Melbourne, where demonstrators expressed their opposition to his presence in the country. The protests began peacefully, with thousands gathering near Town Hall in Sydney before trying to march towards the state parliament. However, this attempt was in violation of a New South Wales law prohibiting such marches in designated areas. The situation escalated, leading to confrontations between protestors and law enforcement officers.

During the protests, police utilized pepper spray and made several arrests as tensions escalated between the protesters and the authorities. The protests were sparked by discontent over Herzog’s visit, particularly in light of the recent Bondi Beach terrorist attack, which has heightened sensitivities around the topic. Protestors argued that Herzog's visit is inappropriate given the context of ongoing conflict and violence in the region.

The violent scenes observed during these protests in major Australian cities illustrate the growing divide in public opinion regarding international relations, particularly those involving Israel and Palestine. These protests not only highlight local responses to global events but also reflect broader societal issues concerning freedom of assembly, governmental restrictions on protests, and the implications of international diplomacy on domestic soil.