Israeli President Isaac Herzog is on a visit to Australia. During his visit tens of thousands protesters gathered to oppose his visit and caused violent clashes with police on February 9, 2026. Protestors and witnesses including Greens MP Abigail Boyd claimed that the protest was peaceful and people were doing prayer, while police started to pepper-spray them and called them violent mobs.  Following this incident 27 were arrested and calls for the resignation of top NSW officials. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called for peace, though critics argue that during ongoing conflicts in Gaza, hosting Herzog undermines Australia's commitment to human rights.