Thousands of pro-Palestine demonstrators rallied across Australia on Monday to oppose the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who faces accusations of inciting genocide against Palestinians. In Sydney, police used pepper spray and clashed with protesters as Herzog began his four-day trip by laying a wreath at Bondi Beach to honor victims of last year’s mass shooting. Authorities warned that participants in a planned march from Sydney Town Hall to the New South Wales Parliament risk arrest, as the area was declared protected during the visit. A Sydney court rejected a legal challenge against the protest restrictions filed by the Palestine Action Group.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged Australians to respect the solemn nature of Herzog’s visit, describing it as one made in goodwill. Herzog said he came to express solidarity and friendship, while alleging that the protests sought to delegitimize Israel’s right to exist. Amnesty International Australia and the Jewish Council of Australia criticized the visit, citing Herzog’s alleged role in inciting genocide and calling for accountability. Herzog is scheduled to visit Melbourne and Canberra before returning to Israel on Thursday.