Jerusalem (The Palestine Telegraph Newspaper) February 07, 2026 – New South Wales Police have warned potential protesters planning demonstrations during Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit to Sydney in late February 2026. Authorities announced strict enforcement measures including exclusion zones and additional powers under the Major Events Act 2009 to maintain public order.
The visit occurs amid heightened tensions following the October 2025 Gaza ceasefire and recent security incidents targeting Jewish communities in Australia.
New South Wales Police Assistant Commissioner Peter Thurtell addressed the media on February 6, stating that while the right to peaceful protest remains protected, any violence or disruption will result in immediate arrests.
Police plan to deploy over 3,000 officers across Sydney's central business district during the visit period, with specific focus on Monday's anticipated protest. [prior context]
Designated assembly areas at Hyde Park lie distant from motorcade routes and key venues including Government House and the Sydney Opera House.
What Security Measures Did Police Outline for Herzog's Visit?
Police established exclusion zones prohibiting face coverings, weapons, flares, and projectiles around event sites, with fines up to AU$5,500 for non-compliance.
Assistant Commissioner Thurtell confirmed high-visibility patrols, drone surveillance, mounted police, and 500 additional officers specifically for the main protest day.
Traffic diversions will affect the M5 East Tunnel, Anzac Bridge, and harbour ferries during motorcade movements, with bag checks and metal detectors at Government House.
Journalist Farid Y. Farid highlighted the expanded police powers in an X post,
"Police have been granted extra powers for #Israel president Herzog's visit under the Major Events Act 2009. Protesters can face up to $5500 in fines for failure to comply with police directions. #NSW Minns govt says it wants to make sure 'Sydney remains calm' for 9Feb #auspol."
Protesters must register events 48 hours in advance through the police portal, with violations treated as public safety offences under state law.
NSW Premier Chris Minns' government emphasised maintaining calm during the visit, citing the need to balance free speech with public safety. [prior context]
Why Have Authorities Heightened Security for This Presidential Visit?
The warnings follow violent clashes during 2024-2025 pro-Palestinian rallies, including the October 2023 firebombing of Melbourne's Adass Israel synagogue and Sydney Opera House disturbances.
NSW Police reported 47 arrests during 2025 demonstrations involving fireworks thrown at officers and flag desecrations near the Opera House.
ASIO elevated Australia's terror threat level to "probable" in January 2026 amid concerns over Iran-linked networks and Middle East conflict spillover.
Broadcaster Mary Kostakidis raised concerns about the massive police deployment in an X post,
"Let this sink in: 3 and a half thousand police will be diverted to to the Sydney CBD for #Herzog visit (500 of them for Monday's protest). There are obviously serious concerns for his safety, and the rally by protesters exercising a democratic right is not the real concern. Let's face it, after Bondi, the concern is he may be shot.
A visit during such heightened concerns about safety so Zionist leaders can make a point (remember the coup they pulled off when Herzog senior was 'invited by Hawke' who soon after spearheaded the reversal of UN 3379 - yes, Australia take a bow) hardly seems wise. As for the cost to Australia, criminals all over the country will be rejoicing - a dream come true in communities that will be stripped of their normal police resources. As for the $$$ cost.. (1 of 2)."
No specific threats against President Herzog emerged publicly, though Jewish community centres from Bondi to Parramatta maintain 24-hour security post-2024 attacks.
Police community forums at Auburn Mosque and North Shore Synagogue clarified rules to reduce misinformation circulating on social media platforms.
What Does President Herzog's Sydney Itinerary Include?
Herzog's visit features addresses to the Australia-Israel Chamber of Commerce, a state reception hosted by Governor Margaret Beazley, and bilateral meetings with Foreign Minister Penny Wong.
The Israeli Embassy confirmed discussions will cover Abraham Accords expansion, Houthi threats to Red Sea shipping, and Rafah Crossing operations processing 150-200 pedestrians daily since February 2.
Israeli Embassy spokesperson Tal Ben-Ari told reporters the trip strengthens defence ties vital to Australian trade security.
The visit marks the first anniversary of the October 2025 Trump-brokered Gaza ceasefire that returned hostages and enabled limited Rafah reopening.
Herzog expressed appreciation for Australia's welcome, noting "shared democratic values" in a pre-visit statement despite domestic protest concerns.
Foreign Minister Wong scheduled talks on two-state solution progress following the ICJ's 2024 occupation ruling.
How Have Protest Groups Responded to Police Warnings?
Palestine Action Sydney vowed to hold vigils outside Herzog's InterContinental Hotel accommodation, focusing on Rafah crossing delays for medical evacuees.
Australian Palestinian Advocacy Network organiser Jamal Mahmoud confirmed peaceful assemblies at Belmore Park highlighting West Bank violence since October 2023.
Friends of Palestine Sydney secured permits for February 28 rallies, promising no traffic disruptions after 2024 bridge blockades resulted in $1,000 fines.
Counter-demonstrations by Zionist organisations planned for Quay Quarter, with police buffer zones separating opposing groups. [prior context]
Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Alex Ryvchin welcomed police measures, stating they restore confidence after years of institutional protection needs.
No mass shutdown plans announced, unlike 2023 port blockades costing $2 million daily in trade losses.
What Past Incidents Shape Current Security Protocols?
Biden's 2023 Sydney summit saw 10,000 protesters clash with police using water cannons on Oxford Street.
Netanyahu's cancelled 2018 visit followed embassy riots injuring 12 officers; current protocols triple prior measures.
Prime Minister Modi's 2024 event managed pro-Khalistan counter-protests peacefully with 5,000 participants.
Police now use body cameras for all interactions per 2024 transparency reforms and emphasise de-escalation training.
The October 2024 Sydney rally injured 20 officers via bottles and concrete thrown by masked demonstrators.
April 2025 Melbourne protests blocked Flinders Street Station, leading to 62 arrests. [prior context]
How Does Australia Balance Diplomacy and Domestic Protest Rights?
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's government boosted defence exports to Israel by 20% in 2025 while allocating $50 million annually to UNRWA.
Wong's department sanctioned West Bank settlers post-ICJ opinion but joined US veto of December 2025 UN ceasefire resolutions.
The visit precedes March 2026 elections where Labor faces Greens pressure over Gaza policy.
Lowy Institute analyst Danielle Haas noted Sydney hosting signals continuity in Australia-US-Israel security relations despite divisions.
Protest numbers expected smaller than 2023 peaks of 50,000 after bans on encampment tents and sleeping bags.
Chinese-Australian communities focus on Lunar New Year events coinciding with the visit week.
What Venue-Specific Preparations Protect Key Locations?
Sydney Opera House will close public access during motorcade passages, halting harbour ferries.
NSW Police Critical Incident Commander Mark Wheeler detailed traffic impacts to media covering the announcement.
ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess testified no credible Herzog-specific threats exist despite monitoring diaspora networks.
Public reporting encouraged via National Security Hotline with Arabic, Hebrew, Farsi translation services available. [prior context]
Police powers activate under Major Events Act for the declared period, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
Herzog's security detail coordinates with Australian Federal Police and ASIO throughout the itinerary.