Feb 10 • 20:12 UTC 🇦🇺 Australia ABC News AU

Live: Police presence expected as Herzog arrives in Canberra

Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit to Canberra is causing an increased police presence due to heightened tensions surrounding the rally against his visit, led by former Australian of the Year Grace Tame.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog is set to arrive in Canberra, prompting an anticipated increase in police presence due to the rally organized by activists opposed to his visit. The protest included chants led by Grace Tame, a former Australian of the Year, which drew significant political controversy and backlash from various politicians. Many, including Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce and Labor frontbencher Clare O'Neil, have publicly remarked on the implications of her actions and words during the protest.

The rally against Herzog's visit highlights the broader societal tensions regarding Israel's political actions and the sentiments of the Palestinian solidarity movement in Australia. Tame's remarks about 'globalise the intifada' have incited considerable debate, with some politicians calling for her to be stripped of her title due to perceived inappropriate conduct. While she is respected for her past advocacy for sexual assault survivors, her recent actions have sparked discussions on the limits of advocacy and freedom of expression in political discourse.

As Herzog prepares for his arrival in Canberra, the situation serves as a flashpoint for Australian-Israeli relations and the ongoing discourse surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This incident illustrates the complexities of public protest and the balance between expressing dissent and managing political and social repercussions, reflecting larger trends in contemporary political activism.

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