Australia faces calls to arrest Israeli president during official visit

Pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel organizations in Australia are urging the government to arrest Israeli President Isaac Herzog upon his arrival next week and to investigate him over alleged Israeli “crimes against humanity and genocide,” The Times of Israel reports.

Herzog is scheduled to visit Australia on February 8 at the invitation of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Governor-General Sam Mostyn, and the Australian Jewish community. During his four-day visit, he is expected to meet government officials, bereaved families, and members of the Jewish community affected by the Hanukkah Bondi Beach terror attack.

The report notes that groups across Australia are planning a “national day of protest” coinciding with Herzog’s visit.

Organizations calling on Australian authorities to open a criminal investigation or arrest Herzog include the Australian Centre for International Justice, the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils, and several pro-Palestinian activist groups. Anti-Israel group Palestine Action and the Australian branch of Amnesty International have also joined these calls.

Additionally, the Hind Rajab Foundation has submitted legal requests to Australian officials, seeking an investigation into Herzog for alleged incitement to genocide and involvement in war crimes under Australian law.

While most mainstream Jewish organizations in Australia have expressed support for Herzog’s visit, the progressive Jewish Council of Australia has urged the government to cancel his invitation. The council argues that “his statements since the outbreak of the Gaza war raise concerns of violations of international law.”

By Vafa Guliyeva