Thousands of pro-Palestine demonstrators clashed with New South Wales (NSW) police outside Sydney Town Hall during a visit by Israeli President Isaac Herzog. The protest, which organizers estimated at 50,000 people (police cited 6,000), turned violent after a last-minute NSW Supreme Court ruling upheld “major event” powers, effectively banning a planned march to the state parliament. As tensions boiled over, police deployed pepper spray and physical force to disperse the crowd, resulting in 27 arrests and nine individuals being charged.
Protesters opposing Israel’s genocidial president visit met with violence from Australian police
Australian police protecting the architect of a slaughter while attacking those who object
— Ounka (@OunkaOnX) February 9, 2026
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon defended his officers on Tuesday, stating they showed “remarkable restraint” against a “volatile mob.” However, video footage has sparked international outrage, showing officers punching demonstrators and dragging away Muslim men while they were praying. Greens MP Abigail Boyd was among those injured, alleging she was punched in the shoulder by an officer despite identifying herself as a member of parliament. Premier Chris Minns stood by the police, arguing they were in an “impossible situation” while trying to protect 7,000 mourners attending a nearby event with President Herzog honoring the victims of the December 14 Bondi terror attack.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed “devastation” over the scenes but reiterated that the invitation to Herzog was intended to help the Jewish community heal. Meanwhile, a fresh protest is scheduled for Tuesday evening outside a Sydney police station to demand the dropping of charges against those arrested.
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