Albanese stands by Herzog invite but demands explanation over police response causing ‘great deal of distress’
Footage showed officers dragging kneeling worshippers to their feet as police enforced move-on directions.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has defended inviting Israeli President Isaac Herzog, rejecting claims it damaged social cohesion, and called for a “full explanation” from police after Muslim worshippers were forcibly moved during a protest.
Violent clashes erupted on Monday night at Sydney Town Hall during a demonstration against the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog, with footage circulating online showing officers dragging kneeling worshippers first to their feet before forcing some to the ground again as police enforced move-on directions.
Speaking on the Sydney Morning Herald’s Inside Politics podcast, Albanese said the visit was about supporting Australia’s Jewish community following the Bondi attack.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“You can have a strong position on the Middle East and on justice for Palestinians,” he said.
“That doesn’t mean that you can’t empathise and understand that the Jewish community are really hurting in Australia.”
Herzog does not sit within Israel’s military chain of command, though he has publicly expressed support for the country’s war effort.
Albanese said the Israeli president is a centre-left figure and “not a member of the Netanyahu government”, likening his role to that of Australia’s Governor-General, Sam Mostyn.
Albanese said the invitation was not an endorsement of all of Herzog’s views, stressing the visit was not political in nature.
He said the president, along with his wife, had primarily spent time consoling grieving women during their time in Sydney.
“Can you imagine the message that that would send to the world, frankly, that we denied the head of state of Israel the opportunity, upon invitation, particularly from the families at Bondi, to come and grieve with them?”
‘A great deal of distress’
Despite defending the visit, Albanese said he was concerned about worshippers being disturbed while praying during the protest
“I’m concerned at the great deal of hurt which the Muslim community are feeling about the disruption of prayers,” he said.
“I think that is something that needs a full explanation. I know that that has caused a great deal of distress.”
Nearly 30 people were arrested during the protest, with 10 charged.
NSW Police used extraordinary powers to restrict demonstrations in parts of the CBD and eastern suburbs during Herzog’s visit, citing community safety concerns.
The state’s police watchdog, the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission, has since confirmed it will investigate the operation, including allegations of misconduct.
It will review video and phone footage, police records, and other material before reporting to parliament.
‘Sometimes actions don’t actually advance a cause’
Albanese also criticised what he described as “far left” organisers who rejected police proposals to relocate the rally to Hyde Park.
“The organisers were engaged with the police. They chose not to come up with or participate in a sensible way that would have ensured separation by having the meeting in Hyde Park and then walking to Belmore Park,” he said.
“It is beyond my comprehension why that would not be taken up, that suggestion by the New South Wales Police.
“They need to comprehend that sometimes the actions don’t actually advance a cause.
“They undermine it, and that is what has occurred.”
Originally published on 7NEWS
