On Monday evening, NSW police used pepper spray and made 27 arrests during a protest against Israeli president Isaac Herzog's visit to Sydney. The rally took place near Town Hall despite strict protest restrictions. State Greens MP Abigail Boyd said she was "targeted and attacked" by police, injuring her wrist and chin. She stated, "I feel quite naive, but I didn’t know that this was what police could do in our state. I feel just absolutely shocked." NSW Premier Chris Minns defended the police, calling their task "impossible" because 7,000 Jewish mourners were gathering in the city simultaneously. Minns said police offered a safer venue at Hyde Park and tried to avoid confrontation. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he was "devastated" by the scenes but supported the Israeli president's visit and noted police had clearly set rules for peaceful protests. Protest organiser Josh Lees of the Palestine Action Group criticised the police for not allowing a peaceful march, claiming the crowd was "kettled" then repeatedly charged and pepper-sprayed. He said this was the worst treatment he had witnessed. Video surfaced showing police dragging praying men away and using force. Greens justice spokesperson Sue Higginson called police actions "wildly inappropriate" and plans to report them to the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission. NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna defended the force, stating police showed restraint for over an hour and faced "palpable" aggression. He cautioned against judging isolated videos without full context. Federal MP Tanya Plibersek called the footage "very concerning" and expected investigations. Some Labor MPs criticized the protest restrictions for creating a "pressure cooker" atmosphere. The events highlight sharp divisions over protest rights, police tactics, and public safety during a sensitive visit.