Tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered in multiple Australian cities on Monday evening to protest the official visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog, triggering confrontations with law enforcement as the head of state began a four-day tour focused on solidarity and remembrance.

In Sydney, a planned march from Town Hall toward the New South Wales Parliament defied recent legal restrictions enacted after the December attack at Bondi Beach, leading to police deploying pepper spray and scuffles with protestors.

New South Wales authorities arrested 27 people, including ten for alleged assaults on officers and others for failing to comply with police directions.

Police said officers were forced to respond to escalating tensions and enforce the law, while some witnesses and elected representatives alleged excessive force during the dispersal.

Herzog’s visit was framed by the Australian government as an expression of unity following the antisemitic massacre at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney that claimed fifteen lives.

The president laid a wreath and met families of victims at Bondi Beach earlier in the day, underscoring the shared commitment of Australia and Israel to confront hatred and uphold democratic values.

Amid tight security, including specialist units and road closures, Herzog also addressed the rise of antisemitism as a global emergency and praised recent actions by Australian authorities to strengthen hate-speech laws and community protections.

Protests unfolded not only in Sydney but also in Melbourne and other state capitals, where demonstrators called for an end to Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories and urged the Australian government to reconsider the invitation.

Organisers of the rallies included pro-Palestinian groups and some political figures who argue that the visit obscures broader concerns about the Gaza conflict.

Legal efforts by activists to challenge expanded police powers under the state’s “major event” legislation were rejected by the New South Wales Supreme Court earlier on Monday, affirming authorities’ ability to detain, search and issue move-on orders as part of public safety measures.

The national debate has underscored deep divisions within Australia over the visit.

Supporters, including Jewish community leaders and government officials, emphasise the importance of reaffirming bilateral ties and supporting Australia’s Jewish citizens after the Bondi terror attack.

Opponents, however, have criticised the trip as insensitive to Palestinian suffering and contentious in the context of ongoing hostilities in the Middle East.

As Herzog continues his schedule of meetings with political leaders and community representatives, authorities remain vigilant for further demonstrations and potential unrest, urging peaceful expression while enforcing public order.