Israel’s President, Isaac Herzog, is set to embark on a five-day trip to Australia, where he will engage in discussions with federal officials and connect with those affected by the tragic Bondi terror incident.
In response to an invitation extended by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese after the shootings, Herzog’s visit is scheduled from February 8 to February 12.
His office issued a statement overnight, highlighting the purpose of the visit: “President Herzog aims to visit Jewish communities throughout Australia, conveying solidarity and reinforcing community resilience after the attack.”
The statement further elaborated that a significant portion of Herzog’s itinerary will focus on formal discussions with prominent Australian figures, including the governor-general and the prime minister, alongside dialogues with leaders from various political circles.
The tragic event involved a father and son who opened fire during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach on December 14, resulting in the death of 15 individuals.
This announcement of Herzog’s visit by Prime Minister Albanese, following the shootings, has spurred legal groups to call for the Australian Federal Police to investigate Herzog over alleged incitement of genocide.
A UN Human Rights Council inquiry examining the war in Gaza found comments Herzog made following the 7 October attacks by Hamas against Israel were evidence of genocidal intent.
He has denied the allegations and has said the remarks were taken out of context.
The Labor Friends of Palestine group has called for the government to rescind Herzog’s invitation.
Visit draws mixed reaction
The Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) welcomed the announcement, saying 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.
“This state visit affirms the strong bonds between Australia and Israel and offers an important opportunity for the community to gather in unity, resilience and shared purpose.”
The Jewish Council of Australia (JCA), a progressive group formed in 2024 to represent non-Zionist Jews in Australia and is critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza, called for Herzog’s invitation to be rescinded.
“By inviting Herzog to visit, Albanese is using Jewish grief as a political prop and diplomatic backdrop,” JCA executive officer Sarah Schwartz said.
“Inviting a foreign head of state who is implicated in an ongoing genocide as a representative of the Jewish community is deeply offensive and risks entrenching the dangerous and antisemitic conflation between Jewish identity and the actions of the Israeli state.
“This does not make Jews safer. It does the opposite.”
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