Sydney Protest Sparks Calm Call from Leaders

The clash in Sydney over Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit led to a tense night for the city. Police said 27 people were taken into custody, including ten charged with assaulting officers, after a planned protest turned violent. The disturbance erupted when demonstrators refused to leave the designated area and officers moved in to clear pedestrian traffic. There were no serious injuries reported. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed deep disappointment about the unrest. He urged all protesters to voice their concerns without violence and highlighted that Australians want peace at home, not conflict. Albanese added that such scenes only weaken the causes people fight for. Thousands gathered in central Sydney to oppose Herzog’s trip, following a tragic shooting at a Jewish event on Bondi Beach that killed 15. The protest drew police powers rarely used, such as directing crowds, restricting entry and vehicle searches. A court later dismissed a legal challenge to these measures.Video footage showed officers pushing back protesters who tried to break blockades. Some participants were seen on the ground while police attempted restraint. To disperse the crowd, officers deployed tear gas and pepper spray. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns defended police decisions. He said officers had to act swiftly in a volatile situation and called for calm from the public. Minns explained that police were tasked with protecting both the crowd and broader community. The Palestine Action Group Sydney criticised the police response. They claimed officers surrounded protesters, used indiscriminate pepper spray and arrested individuals without due cause. The group described the situation as chaotic and unfair. Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna countered that police conduct was justified. He noted officers were outnumbered and faced violent behavior from some participants, yet maintained that restraint was exercised. McKenna emphasized the precarious nature of the situation.