3 weeks ago
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February 6, 2026 — 12:00pm
Police have warned they will arrest pro-Palestinian protesters who breach restrictions while demonstrating against Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit to Australia next week.
The Palestine Action Group has announced a march from Town Hall to NSW Parliament House on Monday evening, in breach of public assembly restrictions put in place following the Bondi terror attack.
NSW Police officers will work an additional 3000 shifts during Herzog’s four-day visit, with 500 assigned to Monday’s protest. As of June 2025, there were just under 16,000 sworn officers in NSW.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Paul Dunstan said he had offered protesters an alternative route from Hyde Park to Belmore Park, which had so far been refused. He warned that police may be forced to arrest those who do not comply with move-on orders.
“Those who are planning to participate in the march are being warned, they do not have [regular protest protections],” Dunstan said on Friday.
“We are asking the organisers to work with us and to comply with the declaration so that a peaceful march can be facilitated safely.
“We do not want to be placed in a situation where we are arresting people. If people show up at Town Hall, if they breach the declaration, we will have to arrest people. That will not be on us.”
Dunstan said police were at a “stalemate” with organisers. He had last spoken to Palestine Action Group organiser Josh Lees on Monday, but he had so far declined an official meeting with the police.
Dunstan said organisers estimated between 4000 and 5000 people would attend the protest, who would “walk in a single line”.
“This is borderline ridiculous … it’s not practical, not possible,” he said.
The restrictions do not prohibit protests, but they stop those who block traffic or pedestrians from being protected from legal charges. Police may issue move-on directions to people who obstruct pedestrians or traffic or behave in an intimidating or harassing manner, or in a way that may be perceived as threatening or causing fear. They can also require protesters to remove face coverings of people suspected of committing offences.
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon extended the assembly restrictions on Tuesday due to fears for public safety.
“What I fear is a large-scale public assembly with so much animosity could present a risk to community safety,” he said.
Police have ramped up security following the December 14 terror attack, which took place at the Jewish celebration Chanukah by the Sea event in Bondi. Just two officers were stationed to police that event, where 15 people were killed.
Alongside public assembly restrictions, there are increased numbers of officers stationed at major events, with specialist officers carrying long-arm weapons.
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CLARIFICATION
The story has been updated to clarify the number of officers and shifts assigned for the visit.
