Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has delivered a robust defence of his government's support for the official visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog, while simultaneously addressing concerns about police conduct during recent protests in Sydney. The Prime Minister's comments came during a heated parliamentary question time, where he faced scrutiny from crossbench MPs.
Context of the Official Visit
President Herzog's visit to Australia is centred around offering support and solidarity to the nation's Jewish community following the devastating anti-Semitic terrorist attack at Sydney's Bondi Beach on 14 December 2025. During his visit, the Israeli President laid a wreath and stones for victims at the memorial site, an act Mr Albanese described as being "in the spirit of solidarity, friendship and love."
The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of understanding the context of the visit, stating it was "appropriate that people understand the context" of President Herzog's presence in Australia at this sensitive time.
Addressing Protest Violence
Mr Albanese acknowledged confronting footage showing clashes between pro-Palestine activists and police in Sydney on Monday night, during which 27 people were arrested. The NSW government had previously legislated tough new anti-protest laws following the Bondi attack.
"The violence that we saw last night was devastating. And I know all Australians would have found those scenes very confronting," the Prime Minister told parliament. He noted that NSW Police had committed to examining the footage from the protest events.
Greens MP's Challenge
Greens MP Elizabeth Watson-Brown had directly challenged the Prime Minister during question time, asking if he would "condemn ... police violence" at the rally and "at the very least send President Herzog home."
Ms Watson-Brown referenced findings from the United Nations Commission of inquiry into the occupied Palestinian territory, which had identified evidence of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocidal intent.
"In response to President Herzog's visit, who was found by a UN commission to have the insight of genocide, peaceful protesters were last night subjected to horrific brutality by the NSW Police," the Greens MP asserted.
Prime Minister's Firm Response
In his response, Mr Albanese made clear he would not be swayed from supporting President Herzog's visit, which he described as occurring "at the invitation of the Governor General as her equivalent head of state."
"I will not, as a number of the crossbenchers have suggested, walk away from my support for his presence here, because it is appropriate that he be here at this time," the Prime Minister declared firmly.
Mr Albanese emphasised that Australians wanted innocent lives protected "whether they be Israeli or Palestinian" and expressed concern about the Middle East conflict being "brought here" to Australian soil.
Government Position on Middle East Conflict
The Prime Minister reiterated his government's support for a two-state solution to the ongoing conflict, noting that Australia had recognised Palestine while maintaining its condemnation of Hamas' atrocities on October 7.
"We have spoken out about the devastation and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, in addition to our unequivocal condemnation of Hamas' atrocities on October 7, we will continue to understand that there is a need in this country, as well as globally, for some nuance in this debate," Mr Albanese explained.
Call for Respectful Discourse
The Prime Minister stressed the importance of maintaining respectful discourse in Australia, stating that "we can disagree peacefully and with respect."
Regarding his relationship with President Herzog, Mr Albanese noted: "I will treat President Herzog with respect. I've known him for a long period of time. He is someone who you can have a respectful discussion with whilst examining differences."
The Prime Minister concluded that President Herzog's primary purpose in visiting Australia was "to provide comfort for people who not only need it, but they deserve it at this time."
Mr Albanese also called for political parties to help "turn the temperature down" rather than escalate tensions, specifically mentioning the Greens political party in this context.
