Lawyers and justice advocates are calling for an Australian investigation into Israeli President Isaac Herzog over alleged incitement to genocide. This demand comes ahead of Herzog's visit to Australia, invited by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese following the Bondi terror attack. The Australian Centre for International Justice (ACIJ) argues that Herzog, accused of inciting genocide, should not be allowed to enter Australia without facing consequences. The request is particularly urgent given the federal government's recent criminalization of hate speech and the incitement of politically motivated violence.
The call for an investigation is supported by a UN Human Rights Council special commission of inquiry, which found evidence of genocidal intent in Israel's actions and Herzog's comments following the Hamas October 7 attack. These comments are also part of South Africa's genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. Herzog denies the allegations, claiming his statements were taken out of context.
The ACIJ, along with the Palestinian legal group Al-Haq, argues that Herzog should not be protected by head of state immunity, which typically shields foreign leaders from prosecution in foreign states. They believe that allowing Herzog to enter Australia without an investigation would be a violation of international legal obligations and domestic law. The Australian government has yet to respond to the ACIJ's request, which highlights the complex and controversial nature of the issue.
