Australian and Israeli officials are preparing for a state visit by Israeli President Isaac Herzog, set to take place from February eighth to twelfth, in the wake of the deadly terror attack on a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach that killed at least sixteen people.

The trip, invited by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as a gesture of solidarity with the Australian Jewish community and to honour victims and survivors, has become a focal point for broader national discussions about social cohesion, extremism and foreign policy in Australia.

President Herzog’s itinerary includes meetings with senior Australian leaders, including the governor-general and the prime minister, as well as engagements with Jewish communities in Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne.

Canberra has emphasised the importance of the visit as a diplomatic expression of support and as reaffirmation of the close bilateral relationship between the two democratic states following the tragic attack.

The invitation was extended by the governor-general on the recommendation of the federal government, with Albanese underscoring that welcoming the head of state at this moment is “entirely appropriate” given the impact of the Bondi massacre on the Jewish community and wider Australian society.

Despite government backing, the visit has generated significant political controversy within Australia.

Several senior figures from the ruling Labor Party have publicly expressed reservations, framing their discomfort in terms of concerns about social harmony and the president’s past rhetoric on Middle East conflicts.

Some backbenchers have indicated their intention to join peaceful protests against the visit, defying restrictions imposed by New South Wales police on mass marches in central Sydney following the Bondi attack.

The Palestine Action Group and allied advocacy organisations have announced nationwide demonstrations, contending that the invitation is divisive and that Australian policy should reflect broader concerns about civilian suffering in the Gaza Strip.

Security considerations have also been heightened around Herzog’s visit.

New South Wales Police have extended bans on protest applications in key areas of Sydney to manage tensions and minimise the risk of confrontation between protestors and community members attending official events.

Police commissioner statements have highlighted the need to balance public safety with the right to lawful expression of views, noting that earlier protests have been largely peaceful.

At the same time, authorities are deploying additional resources to protect participants at commemorations for the Bondi victims and ensure orderly conduct throughout Herzog’s engagements.

Public reaction remains sharply divided.

Jewish organisations and community leaders have widely welcomed the visit as a meaningful act of solidarity and support following a terrorist act explicitly targeting a Jewish festival.

They argue that Herzog’s presence will offer comfort and symbolise international unity against antisemitism.

Conversely, critics outside of the Jewish community argue the visit could exacerbate social divisions in Australia at a moment of heightened sensitivity over foreign policy, civil liberties and the interpretation of international law.

As the visit draws near, the nation’s political and social landscape continues to reflect the complex interplay of grief, diplomacy and domestic debate.