Israeli President Isaac Herzog is scheduled to visit Australia in the near future. That invitation has caused a furore since the Governor-General accepted it at the express request of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Herzog’s visit comes at a time of heightened tensions in Australia following the Bondi terror attack that specifically targeted Australian Jews. The invitation has faced backlash from other political figures, especially the Greens and several crossbenchers.
Herzog’s visit comes on the heels of continued allegations against Israel of committing war crimes in its military offensive in Gaza. Public watchdogs have charged Herzog with disseminating lies about civilians before and during the conflict, accusations that Israel has strongly rebuffed. Most recently, an ongoing UN Human Rights Council inquiry found that genocide was perpetrated against the people of Gaza last year. This important finding only complicates the picture surrounding his visit.
Political Opposition and Concerns
The invitation extended to Herzog has rightly drawn a firestorm of opposition from numerous politicians and organized activists. One such MP, Government’s Ed Husic, expressed his displeasure publicly. He branded representations of Herzog signing artillery shells used to go after civilians with military functions.
Husic cited statements in the context of the ongoing case for genocide against Israel presently before the International Court of Justice. He stated, “I do invite Mr. Herzog, if he has thoughts about how to advance peace in that part of the world that can involve the coexistence of Israelis and Palestinians, then he should be given the chance to express them.”
Anne Aly refused to roll out the red carpet for Herzog’s visit as an interview on ABC radio this morning. This response illustrates a growing malaise within the party. The Greens were clear and united in their opposition to Herzog’s presence, stating that it disrespects the seriousness of the issues in question.
Herzog’s Perspective and Defense
In response to this backlash, Isaac Herzog has publicly defended his actions and sought to rebut accusations leveled against him. He stated that certain remarks attributed to him were misinterpreted and described the allegations as “twisted” and based on “very, very partial and fragmented quotes.”
Herzog expressed frustration over generalizations related to Israeli actions, asserting, “It is an entire nation out there that is responsible. It is not true this rhetoric about civilians not aware, not involved. It is absolutely not true.” He further noted that Palestinian citizens could have opposed their governing regime if they were truly unhappy with their situation.
Prime Minister Albanese noted just how important Herzog’s visit was for the Jewish community in Australia. He placed special emphasis on its importance, particularly in light of the recent tragedies. He stated, “President Herzog is coming particularly to engage with members of the Jewish community who are grieving the loss of 15 innocent lives.”
Community Reactions
Community reaction to Herzog’s visit is still very much divided. Others view it as an opportunity for conversation and reconciliation following the Bondi assault. For some, though, the proposed display is simply too soon, given the current situation on the ground—particularly with the violence and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Josh Burns, another Labor MP, suggested that Herzog’s role is more symbolic than political, likening him to Australia’s Governor-General. He remarked, “I think following Bondi, the only thing we want to see is the community being able to mourn … [Mr. Herzog] is not involved in the government; he’s much like the governor-general in Australia, representing the state.”
As the date of Herzog’s visit approaches, tensions continue to rise both within Australia and internationally regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza. Prime Minister Albanese’s acknowledgement of this complexity was welcome. He insisted that Australians had a right to be upset about Herzog’s visit, but he nonetheless welcomed him with open arms.
