Herzog, Albanese Commit to Renewing Israel–Australia Ties

Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met in Canberra on Wednesday for what both leaders described as a turning point in the relationship between Israel and Australia. The meeting, held during Herzog’s four-day official visit, centered on solidarity in the face of terrorism, rising antisemitism, and the need to deepen diplomatic and cultural ties.

“We discussed a range of issues of mutual importance,” Herzog posted after the meeting. These included support for Australia’s Jewish community following the December 14 terror attack at Bondi Beach, collaboration on countering antisemitism, and advancing peace and security in the Middle East.

Fifteen people were murdered in the Bondi massacre, carried out by Islamic State-inspired attackers. Herzog attended a memorial at Chabad of Bondi on Tuesday, where he delivered a powerful message of defiance and unity: “The terrorists sought to instill fear in the Jewish people we will respond with renewed Jewish pride.”

Prime Minister Albanese, who flew with Herzog from Sydney to Canberra for the meetings, thanked the Israeli president for “the comfort and solidarity shown to the Australian Jewish community, which continues to grieve.” Albanese has faced criticism in the past for not responding strongly enough to rising antisemitism, but his presence and remarks during Herzog’s visit signaled a clear effort to rebuild trust.

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley also met with Herzog, emphasizing bipartisan support for stronger Israel–Australia ties. “This visit provides a constructive platform to rebuild trust and deepen engagement,” she stated.

Although Herzog was not invited to formally address Parliament an omission noted by some observers he held meetings with key leaders, including Australia’s Governor-General Sam Mostyn and House Speaker Milton Dick. A ceremonial olive tree planting at the Israeli Embassy echoed a historic visit by Herzog’s parents 40 years earlier, anchoring the visit in a tradition of friendship and shared values.

Despite anti-Israel protests and efforts to delegitimize his visit, Herzog remained focused on the positive. In public and private remarks, he expressed his belief that the “silent majority” of Australians still value the country’s ties with Israel and oppose hatred cloaked in political slogans.

The visit also revealed fault lines within Australia’s Jewish community. A full-page ad opposing Herzog’s visit, published by the fringe Jewish Council of Australia, sparked backlash after several individuals claimed their names were falsely listed among the signatories. Some entries were reportedly fabricated or obscene, casting further doubt on the legitimacy of the campaign.

Peter Wertheim, CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, dismissed the group behind the ad as an “outlier,” stating that support for Israel’s right to peace and security remains “near unanimous” within the Australian Jewish community. A 2023 Monash University survey backs this, showing strong ties between Australian Jews and the State of Israel.

For Herzog, the visit was both symbolic and strategic a reaffirmation of Israel’s enduring place among its democratic allies, even in the face of pressure and protest. “We also spoke about opportunities to take relations between Israel and Australia in a new direction,” he said.

That direction, if these meetings are any indication, is one of deeper collaboration, stronger community engagement, and a united front against hatred.

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