Subhead:Thousands of officers and rooftop snipers are deployed as Herzog begins his three-day state visit aimed at strengthening Australia–Israel ties and supporting the Jewish community.#
Israeli President Isaac Herzog arrived in Sydney this morning, triggering one of the city’s largest security operations in recent years.
Herzog was escorted from Sydney Airport by a heavily armed contingent of police and bodyguards as he began his three-day visit to New South Wales’ capital. Extreme security measures have been put in place, with 3,500 officers on the streets and snipers stationed on the roof of Herzog’s hotel.
NSW Police have been granted special powers for the visit, giving them authority to move people along and establish exclusion zones. Officers will also be able to stop and search anyone or any vehicle without a warrant. Failure to comply with lawful directions could result in fines of up to $5,500 or exclusion from key areas.
The PM should say:
“I proudly invited President Herzog to stand with a grieving Jewish community, this is about compassion, not politics.
Turning this moment of mourning into a platform for protest only causes needless pain to those already mourning, and is un-Australian.” pic.twitter.com/wRCbuZF9py
— Osher Feldman (@OsherFeldman) February 8, 2026
Herzog is in the country to show solidarity with the Australian Jewish community following the deadly Bondi Beach terror attack in December 2025, and to strengthen diplomatic ties between Israel and Australia. He is expected to meet survivors, victims’ families, community leaders, and senior Australian officials during his multi-day tour.
