Israeli President Isaac Herzog began a contentious four-day visit to Australia by laying a wreath at Bondi Beach, the site of a deadly attack on a Jewish festival last December. The visit, intended to comfort the grieving Jewish community, has sparked widespread protests and debate, with critics citing allegations that Herzog has incited genocide in Gaza. Tight security measures have been implemented, and legal challenges have been mounted against expanded police powers during his stay. While some Jewish leaders have welcomed Herzog's presence as a gesture of solidarity, others, along with human rights advocates and community groups, have condemned the invitation, arguing it risks conflating Jewish identity with the actions of the Israeli state. The visit comes amid heightened tensions over Australia's stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict and ongoing scrutiny of Herzog's role in the war in Gaza.