The Herzog Protests
Israeli President Isaac Herzog made a four-day visit to Australia, which the ABC described as "initiated by the governor-general and prime minister to support people grieving those killed in an attack on a Hanukkah gathering". On 9 February 2026 thousands attended a Palestine Action Group rally at Sydney Town Hall, and rallies were also held in Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane and Hobart. The Sydney rally went ahead after the organisers lost a last-minute legal challenge to a major event declaration that gave police expanded powers, and marching was prohibited.
NSW Police said 27 people were arrested, including 10 for assaulting police, and officers used pepper spray (ABC). Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna said officers were "jostled, threatened and assaulted". Nine people, aged 19 to 67, were later charged (BBC; SBS). Video showed police dragging away a group of Muslim men who were praying in the Town Hall forecourt, led by Sheikh Wesam Charkawi (Guardian). Greens MLC Abigail Boyd said she was hurt by police (SMH).
Premier Chris Minns defended police: "It was, in effect, in the middle of a riot." NSW Police later said a senior officer had agreed to let the prayer finish, "However, some worshippers were moved on before the message from the senior officer was able to be relayed." Commissioner Mal Lanyon said: "I have apologised for any offence taken for interfering with that religious process" (Guardian, 13 Feb).
The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission opened an investigation (Operation Makalu) "Following the receipt of a significant number of complaints". The LECC's progress update says public examinations will not be held in September 2026 because of procedural issues. No findings had been published when the page was checked on 5 October 2026.
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