Australian police have defended their actions after violently clashing with protesters during a demonstration against a visit by the Israeli president. Video emerged of police charging and punching protesters during the rally in Sydney on Monday night, with a state parliament MP among those who said they were injured in the clashes. Police reported 27 arrests, with nine charged and 10 officers assaulted. NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon stated officers showed 'remarkable restraint' and did 'what they needed to do'. Earlier, rally organisers had failed in their court bid to overturn police powers limiting their right to demonstrate during Isaac Herzog's visit.

The government invited Herzog to visit Australia following an antisemitic attack at Bondi Beach, aiming to assist the Jewish community in healing, despite protests from pro-Palestinian groups. Six thousand people attended the protests according to police, while organizers claim attendance was as high as 50,000. Video footage captured several confrontations, including the use of pepper spray, prompting strong backlash from both protesters and officials. Pro-Palestinian leaders described the police response as excessive, with calls for investigations into their actions. Upcoming protests are set to challenge police conduct during the demonstration.