Rights groups in Australia call on authorities to arrest Israeli president

Palestinian rights groups in Australia have called on government authorities to arrest or deny entry to Israeli President Isaac Herzog for inciting violence during the genocidal war against the people in the Gaza Strip.

Herzog is scheduled to visit Australia on February 8 for a five-day trip to Sydney, Canberra, and Melbourne.

Pro-Palestinian groups aim to prevent his visit as a protest against the Israeli regime's genocidal actions in Gaza, which have resulted in over 70,000 Palestinian deaths and approximately 10,000 individuals buried under rubble.

The Australian National Imams Council (ANIC), the Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF), and the Jewish Council of Australia have filed a complaint with the Attorney General, the Minister for Home Affairs, and the Federal Police, urging authorities to deny Herzog a visa and open a criminal investigation under Australian law.

The complaint requests that Herzog be banned from entering the country and that an investigation be launched into his alleged complicity in war crimes against Palestinians. His publicly documented remarks, including hate speech and incitement to violence, have been cited as evidence.

Pro-Palestinian groups also accuse Herzog of downplaying the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, despite UN findings confirming widespread starvation and civilian suffering.

Last year, Australia denied entry to far-right Israeli politician Simcha Rothman, who advocated for the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians and labeled children in Gaza as “enemies.”

Australia blocks visit by Israeli politician who advocated ethnic cleansing

Australia denied entry to an Israeli politician who has advocated the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians and described children in Gaza as “enemies” ahead of his planned speaking tour for Australia’s Jewish community.

Following the initiation of the Israeli regime's war in Gaza in October 2023, a UN Human Rights Council commission found evidence of genocidal intent, concluding that Israel was committing genocide.

The UN Commission of Inquiry determined that the Israeli regime “intended to kill as many Palestinians as possible” and committed crimes against humanity.

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