Israeli President ends tense Australia visit

Israeli President Isaac Herzog concluded a contentious four-day visit to Australia on Thursday, aimed at comforting Sydney’s Jewish community after a December antisemitic mass shooting and addressing bilateral relations. Herzog visited Sydney, Canberra, and Melbourne, meeting survivors and laying a wreath at Bondi Beach. His visit drew large protests over Israel’s actions in Gaza, with up to 10,000 demonstrators shutting down Melbourne streets. Herzog urged protesters to target Iran instead, calling it an “empire of evil,” and condemned attempts to delegitimise Israel. While supporters praised Herzog for uplifting a grieving community, critics accused him of using the visit for political purposes and propaganda. Security concerns led to the cancellation of a visit to Melbourne’s Adass Israel Synagogue, allegedly torched by Iran. Despite tensions, Herzog described discussions with Australian leaders as candid and respectful, emphasizing mutual efforts to confront antisemitism and misinformation.