Israeli president’s visit deepening division among Australians: Analyst

0 February 9, 2026 23:57

Australian leaders on Tuesday (Feb 10) urged calm and called on protesters to remain peaceful after clashes between police and demonstrators opposing Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit to Australia erupted in Sydney. Police said 27 people were arrested, including 10 for allegedly assaulting officers, after violence broke out on Monday evening when police moved in to clear thousands of protesters who had gathered near Sydney’s town hall. Eyal Mayroz, a senior peace and conflict studies lecturer at The University of Sydney, tells CNA’s Asia First that Herzog’s visit exacerbated existing fractures rather than fostered unity during a sensitive time for the Australian society.

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