NSW Labor Politicians to Protest Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s Visit in Defiance of Premier

Several New South Wales Labor politicians have confirmed they will take part in protests against the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog, openly defying the state’s Labor premier and exposing deep divisions within the party over the war in Gaza and Australia’s diplomatic relationship with Israel.

President Herzog is due to arrive in Sydney later this week for a series of official meetings with state leaders, business representatives, and Jewish community organizations. The visit is intended to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between Israel and Australia and to reinforce cooperation on security and innovation.

However, the announcement has triggered opposition from pro-Palestinian groups and a small but vocal number of Labor MPs who say welcoming Israel’s head of state is inappropriate while civilian casualties continue to mount in Gaza.

Growing Rift Within Labor

At least five NSW Labor backbench MPs have confirmed their intention to attend a peaceful protest near one of Herzog’s scheduled public engagements. The move places them in direct conflict with Premier Chris Minns, who has defended the visit and urged party members to respect diplomatic protocols.

“The visit of a foreign head of state is an important part of international relations,” Minns said earlier this week. “People have the right to protest, but elected officials should consider the broader impact on community cohesion and the state’s responsibilities.”

Despite the premier’s stance, the MPs involved say they feel compelled to act on behalf of their constituents, many of whom have expressed anger and distress over the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

“This is not about hostility toward Jewish Australians or the Israeli people,” one Labor MP said privately. “It is about sending a message that Australia must do more to protect civilians and uphold international law.”

Party insiders say the dispute reflects a widening ideological split between Labor’s leadership and its progressive wing, which has become more outspoken since the conflict escalated.

Security Preparations Intensify

NSW Police have confirmed they are preparing for heightened security during Herzog’s visit. Officers will be deployed at multiple locations to manage expected protests and ensure the safety of all participants.

Police Commissioner Karen Webb said authorities would protect the right to peaceful assembly while preventing disorder. “We respect democratic protest, but we will not tolerate violence, intimidation, or hate speech from any group,” she said.

Jewish community leaders have expressed concern that protests directed at Herzog’s visit could make local Jewish Australians feel targeted or unsafe.

“This visit is meant to promote dialogue and mutual understanding,” said a spokesperson for a major Jewish organization. “Turning it into a protest risks inflaming tensions and sending the wrong message to our community.”

Muslim and Arab community groups, however, have defended the demonstrations, arguing they reflect genuine frustration over the scale of suffering in Gaza and Australia’s continued diplomatic engagement with Israel.

Symbolic Importance of the Visit

Herzog’s visit comes at a time of intense global debate over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. While the Australian federal government has maintained its support for Israel’s right to self-defense, it has also called for humanitarian pauses and increased aid access.

For critics, the timing of the visit sends a troubling signal. They argue that hosting a high-profile Israeli official undermines Australia’s moral standing and weakens calls for restraint.

Supporters counter that diplomacy must continue even during conflict and that isolating Israel would not advance peace.

“Engagement does not mean endorsement of every policy,” said one foreign policy analyst. “It means keeping channels of communication open at a time when dialogue is desperately needed.”

Political Risks for the NSW Government

The protest threatens to create an awkward public spectacle for the NSW Labor government, which has been trying to focus on domestic priorities such as housing affordability, health services, and transport reform.

Opposition politicians have seized on the controversy, accusing Labor of internal confusion and inconsistency.

“You can’t claim to support diplomatic relations with Israel while your own MPs protest the president’s visit,” said a senior Liberal Party figure. “It shows a lack of discipline and leadership.”

Senior Labor officials are reportedly urging dissenting MPs to reconsider their plans, warning that participation could damage relationships with Jewish voters and community organizations.

Still, those planning to attend the protest say the political cost is worth it.

“Our job is to represent the conscience of our communities,” one MP said. “Many people feel the government has been too cautious. Silence is no longer acceptable.”

Community Tensions in Sydney

Sydney has witnessed repeated demonstrations related to the Gaza conflict over recent months, with rallies drawing tens of thousands of participants. While most have been peaceful, there have been isolated incidents of verbal abuse and clashes that required police intervention.

Interfaith groups have appealed for calm and mutual respect during Herzog’s visit, warning that imported conflicts risk fracturing local communities.

“We must not allow events overseas to divide neighbors at home,” said an interfaith council leader. “Disagreement is inevitable, but it must be expressed responsibly.”

Some residents have welcomed the protest as an expression of democratic values, while others fear it could heighten anxiety and polarization.

A Test for Democratic Balance

The planned demonstration highlights the challenge governments face in balancing freedom of expression, diplomatic responsibility, and social harmony. For NSW Labor, the episode is a test of party unity and political leadership at a time of heightened international tension.

As Herzog’s visit approaches, the state finds itself navigating a sensitive moment in which foreign policy, domestic politics, and community relations collide.

Whether the protest will remain peaceful and contained remains to be seen. What is certain is that the visit has become more than a diplomatic engagement—it has become a symbol of Australia’s struggle to reconcile moral outrage with diplomatic tradition in one of the world’s most polarizing conflicts.

For Premier Minns and his government, the coming days will reveal how well they can manage dissent