Albanese Presses Ahead With Israeli President’s Visit Despite Protests

Despite calls from pro-Palestinian groups to withdraw the invitation, Albanese says the government will proceed with the visit following the Bondi terror attack

Israeli President Isaac Herzog speaks to reporters about his meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House in Washington on July 18, 2023. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times

Despite mounting pressure, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed the government will proceed with the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog to Australia in the wake of the recent terror attack at Bondi beach.

Details of the invitation were first made public on Dec. 23, when Albanese posted on X outlining a phone call with Herzog following the attack targeting the Australian Jewish community in Sydney on Dec. 18.

According to the post, Albanese told Herzog that, on the recommendation of the Australian government, the governor-general would issue a formal invitation in line with diplomatic protocol.

The post said President Herzog accepted the invitation.

Protests Planned Over Visit

Several pro-Palestinian organisations have announced plans to protest the visit and called on the federal government to withdraw the invitation.

Labor Friends of Palestine, a group comprising more than 60 parliamentarians, has written to Albanese urging him to reverse the decision.

In a social media post, the group said the federal government should “withdraw its invitation to this divisive and inflammatory figure” and called for Herzog to be “investigated for war crimes” should he enter Australia.

Students for Palestine has also called a protest for Jan. 11 at the State Library of Victoria, demanding PM immediately rescind the invitation to the Israeli president.

“The invitation does nothing but further empower Israel to continue to commit further human rights violations against Palestinian people,” an organisation spokesperson said at a press conference on Jan. 8.

The group cited alleged Israeli actions in Gaza, including the death of a newborn baby in a tent with its mother, describing the situation as preventable.

“This is something that is totally easily preventable by allowing in mobile homes, by allowing in aid. The Israeli government has made a choice not to do that, and our government is going along with it,” the spokesperson added.

Jewish Groups Welcome Visit

The Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) has welcomed confirmation of President Herzog’s visit, describing it as an important gesture following the Bondi terror attack during Hanukkah.

In the days after the attack, ZFA President Jeremy Leibler wrote to Herzog on behalf of Australia’s Jewish community, inviting him to visit Australia in solidarity with a grieving nation and a shaken community.

The organisation said it welcomed the Australian government’s decision to extend the invitation in accordance with diplomatic protocol.

Leibler described the visit as a moment of solidarity and healing.

“In the days after Bondi, our community reached out directly to President Herzog because this was not only an attack on individuals—it struck at the deepest sense of safety Jewish Australians have carried for generations,” he said.

“President Herzog’s presence will bring comfort to those who are grieving and reassurance to a community living with fear,” he added.