Israel’s President Isaac Herzog is preparing for a significant visit to Australia, spanning five days, where he will engage in discussions with federal leaders and meet survivors of the tragic Bondi terror attack.

Herzog’s visit, scheduled from February 8 to February 12, comes as a response to an invitation extended by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in the wake of the shootings. The visit aims to strengthen ties and address the aftermath of the attack.

According to a statement from Herzog’s office, released overnight, the President will visit Jewish communities across Australia. His mission is to express solidarity and offer support to those affected by the attack. This gesture underscores the shared resilience and unity between the nations.

A key element of Herzog’s visit will involve official meetings with prominent Australian figures, including the Governor-General and the Prime Minister. Furthermore, Herzog plans to engage with leaders from various political backgrounds, reflecting the importance of cross-party dialogue in navigating such challenges.

The Bondi terror attack, a devastating event, occurred on December 14 when a father and son opened fire during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, tragically resulting in the loss of 15 lives. Herzog’s visit serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing impacts of such violence and the international solidarity required to support those affected.

The Israeli president’s visit, which was announced by Albanese following the shooting, prompted legal groups to urge the Australian Federal Police to investigate Herzog for allegedly inciting genocide.

A UN Human Rights Council inquiry examining the war in Gaza found comments Herzog made following the 7 October attacks by Hamas against Israel were evidence of genocidal intent.

He has denied the allegations and has said the remarks were taken out of context.

The Labor Friends of Palestine group has called for the government to rescind Herzog’s invitation.

Visit draws mixed reaction

The Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) welcomed the announcement, saying it would host several major Jewish community events in Sydney and Melbourne during the visit.

“The Australian Jewish community is honoured to welcome president Herzog at a moment of deep significance,” ZFA president Jeremy Leibler said.

“This state visit affirms the strong bonds between Australia and Israel and offers an important opportunity for the community to gather in unity, resilience and shared purpose.”

The Jewish Council of Australia (JCA), a progressive group formed in 2024 to represent non-Zionist Jews in Australia and is critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza, called for Herzog’s invitation to be rescinded.

“By inviting Herzog to visit, Albanese is using Jewish grief as a political prop and diplomatic backdrop,” JCA executive officer Sarah Schwartz said.

“Inviting a foreign head of state who is implicated in an ongoing genocide as a representative of the Jewish community is deeply offensive and risks entrenching the dangerous and antisemitic conflation between Jewish identity and the actions of the Israeli state.

“This does not make Jews safer. It does the opposite.”

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