Israeli president arrives in Sydney, Palestine Action Group launches last-minute challenge, Sydney CBD road closures, heavy NSW Police presence across city
In an interview with my colleagues Peter Hartcher and Matthew Knott published earlier this week, Herzog said he hoped his visit to Australia would help revive historically close ties between the two countries after years of tension and provide solace to Australian Jews mourning the victims of the Bondi terror attack.
Herzog said he was aware that his visit was opposed by many Australians angry at Israel’s handling of the war in Gaza, but he denied accusations that he encouraged the killing of innocent civilians in controversial statements he made in the days following the October 7, 2023 attacks.
He said he hoped his four-day visit would help Australians better understand Israel’s perspective on Israel’s fight against the hardline Islamic regime in Iran and the terrorist groups it supports, such as Hamas and Hezbollah, and underlined the need to combat the rise of antisemitism in Australia and globally.
“I think it is time for good relations between Israel and Australia to develop and not be held hostage by the radical forces in Australia that undermine these relations,” he said in an interview with this imprint before leaving.
“I am here to send the message of bipartisanship and friendship and to find a way to rekindle that passion and love between our nations.”
Herzog is the head of state, has no role in policymaking, and likens himself to the governor general of Australia. The former leader of the Israeli Labor Party, he has known Anthony Albanese for decades and is the son of former president Chaim Herzog, who was the first Israeli leader to visit Australia in 1986.
Read more of the Knott and Hartcher interview here.
