The New South Wales government has unveiled special measures in preparation for Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s forthcoming visit to Australia. These measures include enhanced police authority and penalties for those who do not comply.

Premier Chris Minns emphasized that these steps aim to “ensure safety, de-escalate tensions, and maintain a peaceful and orderly environment in Sydney.”

Starting on Sunday, President Herzog is set to embark on a five-day tour of Australia. During his visit, he will engage with national leaders and survivors of the tragic Bondi terror attack, which resulted in 15 fatalities and left many others injured when gunmen targeted a Hanukkah celebration.

Protests are being organized in major cities and regional areas across Australia, with a large-scale demonstration scheduled for Monday night in Sydney.

Minns announced that Sydney would see a “substantial security and logistical operation” on Monday, with a deployment of 3,000 police officers, including 500 specifically assigned to manage the protest.

“This visit is significant for our nation and holds profound meaning for the Jewish community in New South Wales as they continue to grieve and heal from the devastating terrorist attack on December 14,” Minns stated.

“We cannot allow a situation where mourners and protesters come into close contact on city streets without strong police presence.”

Increased police powers under declaration

The visit has been declared a major event under the Major Events Act 2009, allowing police to put in measures to manage crowds and maintain separation between different groups to reduce the risk of confrontation.

Under the legislation, police are allowed to search any person who wishes to enter — or is already inside of — a designated major event area.

The law also contains provisions allowing for police to “limit the number of persons who may enter a major event area or any part of a major event area”.

It also forbids the use of “indecent, obscene or threatening language” and any behaviour deemed “offensive or indecent” or which “cause[s] serious alarm or affront to a person by disorderly conduct”.

Failure to comply with police directions could incur fines of up to $5,500 or exclusion from the major event area.

“These arrangements are not a ban on protests or marches. People retain the right to express their views lawfully,” the NSW government said in a statement.

NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley said police would use the powers “carefully and proportionately, with the safety of the community as the clear priority”.

Protests planned across Australia

Herzog was formally invited to Australia by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, following an earlier invitation from the Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA).

His visit has been welcomed as a moment of “deep significance” by some groups, while others, including some Jewish Australians and pro-Palestinian groups, want the invitation rescinded.

The ZFA said it would host several major Jewish community events in Sydney and Melbourne during the visit.

“The Australian Jewish community is honoured to welcome President Herzog at a moment of deep significance,” ZFA president Jeremy Leibler said.

The state government stressed its major event provisions were not a ban on protests or marches but were in place to support public safety during a “complex period” that involves multiple large gatherings and significant police presence.

NSW Multiculturalism Minister Steve Kamper said Sydney needed to “make sure we are striking the right balance”.

“This visit matters deeply to many in our community. It offers them a chance to honour and grieve the victims of the Bondi terror attack.

“We need to be able to host international visitors, while still ensuring our city remains safe, welcoming and respectful for everyone.”

Police warn of possible arrests

On Friday, NSW Police acting assistant commissioner Paul Dunstan urged Palestine Action Group, which is organising the Sydney rally, to reconsider the proposed route, which runs through the CBD from Town Hall to parliament.

“We do not want to be placed in a situation where we are at Town Hall on Monday with a significant number of people enforcing the declaration,” he told reporters.

“That may and will easily result in arrests.”

The protest organisers’ previously announced route is prohibited under a declaration that allows the NSW Police commissioner to refuse to authorise public assemblies in key parts of the city, part of a suite of laws rushed through NSW parliament in the wake of the Bondi attack.

Palestine Action Group organiser Josh Lees has defended the group’s choice of location.

“We assert our right to protest at Sydney Town Hall, because it is the most visible town square that we have in this city for a peaceful assembly and demonstration,” he said.

“We will not be shunted off to some park — out of sight, out of mind — on a dark weeknight. That is not consistent with a genuine right to protest.”

A group of 13 MPs, including four members of the Minns government, have also written to the state police commissioner, urging him to allow the march to proceed.

“It is time for cool heads to prevail … the role of state government is to ensure community safety,” Labor backbencher and signatory to the letter Stephen Lawrence said.

“A safe, peaceful procession to parliament is achievable, I believe, and I call on police to truly and constructively engage with the organisers.”

— With additional reporting by the Australian Associated Press

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