Australian cities are preparing for extensive protests and heightened security measures as Israeli President Isaac Herzog arrives this week for a state visit.

The trip, extended by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as an act of solidarity with the Australian Jewish community following the Bondi Beach terror attack, has drawn both official support and sharp opposition from civil society, political figures and protest groups.

Authorities in New South Wales have extended protest restrictions in parts of Sydney’s central business district and eastern suburbs, citing public safety concerns and the upcoming visit, even as activists plan nationwide demonstrations.

Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said the restricted zones under the Public Assembly Restriction Declaration will remain in force for at least another fortnight, a decision police said was influenced by the expected demonstrations and the need to protect community safety.

Organisers, including the Palestine Action Group, have announced plans to march through Sydney despite the restrictions, with police warning that unauthorised movement beyond designated areas could lead to “move on” directions or arrests.

More than three thousand additional officers are being deployed for the visit, with at least five hundred assigned to protest management and crowd control.

Protesters have already mobilised in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, with some chanting slogans against the visit and demanding the federal government rescind Herzog’s invitation.

The backlash reflects broader national debate over Israel’s conduct in the Gaza conflict, including a United Nations-aligned inquiry that cited comments by Herzog as potentially inciting severe violence—a charge both he and the Israeli government have rejected.

The debate has extended into Australia’s political sphere, with some lawmakers calling for the invitation to be withdrawn and others defending the visit as an important gesture of support for Jewish Australians in the shadow of recent antisemitic violence.

Legal and advocacy groups have also pressed for investigations into alleged international crimes by individuals travelling with the president, although Herzog’s diplomatic immunity as a head of state will shield him from domestic prosecution during the visit.

As tensions grow, state leaders including New South Wales Premier Chris Minns and federal officials have urged peaceful conduct and compliance with law, while critics of protest restrictions argue they unduly curb civic freedoms.

Demonstrations are expected to continue throughout the visit, underscoring deep public divisions over Australia’s diplomatic engagement and broader regional issues.