Thousands gathered in Sydney on Monday to protest Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit to Australia. Police used pepper spray and clashed lightly with demonstrators. The protests oppose Herzog, who is accused of inciting genocide against Palestinians by a UN commission. Protesters risk arrest if they join a late march from Sydney Town Hall to the New South Wales Parliament. Authorities declared the march area a special protected zone. Herzog’s visit marks the victim memorial of last year's Bondi Beach massacre, where 15 people were killed. Herzog laid a wreath and met survivors, saying, “This was also an attack on all Australians.” He called his visit one of “solidarity, friendship, and love.” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged respect for the visit’s solemn nature. However, activists and Amnesty International Australia criticized Herzog, saying he should face protests over his role in Gaza’s violence. Jackson Elliott, a Sydney protester, said, “Herzog has dodged all the questions about the occupation and says this visit is about Australia and Israeli relations, but he is complicit.” The Jewish Council of Australia also opposed the invitation. Herzog’s UN inquiry found he “incited the commission of genocide” by blaming all Palestinians for the October 7 Hamas attacks. Since then, over 72,000 Palestinians have died in Israel’s conflict in Gaza. Despite a ceasefire last year, killings and aid restrictions continue. Herzog plans to visit Melbourne and Canberra before returning to Israel on Thursday. Sydney police have deployed 3,000 officers to enforce security during his stay.