Explosive anti-Israel protests mar Herzog’s Australia tour

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.

Australia correspondent Nomi Kaltmann joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode.

Thousands gathered across Australia on Monday to protest the arrival of President Isaac Herzog, who is on a multi-city trip aimed at expressing solidarity with Australia’s Jewish community.

Herzog is visiting Australia this week at the invitation of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in the aftermath of the December 14 shooting at a Hanukkah event at Sydney’s Bondi Beach that killed 15.

The visit has attracted the ire of some people in Australia, who accuse Herzog of being complicit in civilian deaths in Gaza. Pro-Palestinian, anti-Israel groups organized protests in cities and towns across the country on Monday evening.

We hear how the Australian Jewish community is welcoming the president's visit, what Herzog's goals may be in Canberra and whether there could be unintended negative consequences in light of the allegations of police brutality from Monday's explosive anti-Israel protest.

Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates.

For further reading:

Will Herzog’s Australia visit and new legislation assuage Jews’ fears after Bondi attack?

Australia urges calm after violent clashes in Sydney over Herzog visit

Protests in Sydney against Herzog’s visit turn violent amid scuffles with police

Arriving in Australia, Herzog pays tribute to Bondi terror victims: ‘We shall overcome’

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht.

IMAGE: Pro-Palestinian protesters take part in a demonstration against Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit to Australia in Sydney on February 9, 2026. (Photo by Saeed KHAN / AFP)

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