Urgent legal action has been initiated to contest the extensive police powers granted for the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog to Sydney. Authorities are advising residents to avoid the city as a high security cordon is established across the Central Business District (CBD). Streets are being locked down, roads closed, and public transport redirected in preparation for Herzog’s arrival on March 11, 2024.
The New South Wales (NSW) Police are implementing strict security measures. Paul Dunstan, acting assistant commissioner, stated, “You will see motorcades. Obviously with the tensions associated with this visit, you will see additional numbers.” These measures reflect the heightened security concerns following the recent Bondi terror attack, which prompted Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to invite Herzog to Sydney to meet with community leaders and mourn with victims and their families.
Despite the rationale behind the security, the Palestine Action Group has filed a challenge against Premier Chris Minns in the Supreme Court. The group objects to the protest restrictions imposed for a planned rally at Town Hall on Monday evening. Spokesperson Josh Lees criticized the measures as “absolutely extraordinary and draconian powers to basically shut down our entire city.” He emphasized the group’s commitment to the right to protest, stating, “These streets of Sydney belong to the people of Sydney. They do not belong to the Israeli president or Premier Chris Minns.”
In a legal filing submitted on Sunday afternoon, the Palestine Action Group outlined over 260 pages of arguments aimed at preventing the enforcement of the protest restrictions. Although a judge declared there was insufficient time for a hearing on Sunday night, considerations for an urgent meeting on Monday are underway to assess the legality of the restrictions.
Authorities have advised that security will remain robust throughout Herzog’s visit, with rolling road closures and random inspection points in place across Sydney’s inner city and eastern suburbs. Certain areas, including Phillip Street, will be closed until March 14, 2024, with designated no-go zones established. Specific closures include Campbell Parade in Bondi, which will be shut for two hours on Monday, and road closures near Darling Harbour from 17:00 to 22:00.
NSW Transport Secretary Josh Murray urged commuters and city workers to avoid the area on Monday afternoon, reinforcing the message that public safety is a priority during this significant visit. As the situation unfolds, both security measures and legal challenges will continue to shape the city’s response to the visit of President Herzog.
