3,000 police: Massive operation for Israeli president visit

What’s happening in Sydney and why it matters
Negotiations, location and crowd-control concerns
Legal framework: what is and isn’t allowed
Numbers, court challenge and uncertainties
Scale of the police operation and community protections
What to expect if you’re in Sydney during the visit
Key takeaways
Frequently asked questions

What’s happening in Sydney and why it matters

3,000 police have been deployed as part of a major security operation surrounding the Israeli president’s visit to Sydney and a planned Palestinian Action Group protest at Town Hall. Police say the operation spans several days and aims to keep both protesters and the wider community safe while the official visit proceeds.

NSW police officers in high-visibility vests overseeing protesters at Town Hall Square — Police in high-visibility vests monitoring a crowd near Town Hall.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Paul Dunstan has been negotiating with protest leader Josh Lees, who has committed to a Town Hall demonstration but also emphasised the group’s desire for a peaceful event. Authorities are urging organisers to relocate to Hyde Park to reduce the risk of overflow and friction in tighter public spaces.

Police officers in high-visibility vests and demonstrators on a city street with media present — Police marshals and demonstrators in the Town Hall precinct as officers manage the crowd.

Negotiations, location and crowd-control concerns

Discussions between police and the Palestinian Action Group focused on location and movement. Mr Lees confirmed the group’s intent to meet at Town Hall and indicated a preference for a mobile protest, though he stressed it should remain peaceful. Police expressed concern that Town Hall Square may not safely contain a large crowd, risking spillover into surrounding streets and potential clashes.

Wide shot of protesters with Palestinian flags marching on a city street near a cathedral — Marchers carrying Palestinian flags move along the road near St Mary's Cathedral, showing the protest using central road space.

Police have proposed Hyde Park as an alternative and suggested staging through Belmore Park to allow protesters to assemble and move in a controlled, lawful way. Negotiations were continuing at the time of the update, with police keeping lines of communication open.

Legal framework: what is and isn’t allowed

Under the current Public Assembly declaration, mobile protest activity on streets and footpaths within the declared area is prohibited. Public open spaces such as Town Hall Square remain lawful places to meet, provided protesters stay within the defined area.

Senior uniformed police officer at a press briefing explaining public assembly restrictions, clear and well-lit — Police clarifying the legal limits on marching versus static gatherings.

That distinction — static assembly versus mobile marches — is central to how police will respond if demonstration activity moves beyond permitted zones.

Numbers, court challenge and uncertainties

Organisers have estimated attendance could be in the thousands. While figures such as 3,000 to 5,000 have been mentioned, Mr Lees told police the exact turnout was unknown and that a Monday night protest is unusual timing for many groups.

NSW police officer in uniform speaking directly at a press briefing — A senior police officer outlines numbers and the policing approach for the visit.

Separately, the Palestinian Action Group is understood to be preparing a potential legal challenge in the Supreme Court against a recent major events declaration. That dispute will be between the organisers and the government rather than a direct policing matter.

Scale of the police operation and community protections

Police describe the response as a large-scale operation. Officials say the deployment will exceed 3,000 officers over a three- to four-day period, with significant resources focused on the CBD and eastern suburbs.

Senior uniformed police officer at a press briefing, clear and well-lit close-up — Police spokesperson outlining numbers and the policing approach.

Operation Shelter patrols are in place to reassure the Jewish community in eastern suburbs and the CBD, and to deter any targeted incidents. Motorcades, clearway zones, fencing and barriers will be rolled out as the presidential visit approaches.

Senior uniformed police officer at a press briefing, clear and well-lit — Police spokesperson outlining community protections and patrols.

Authorities emphasise the priority is a peaceful protest and the safety of all parties. They have urged people to limit non-essential travel to the city from 5:30pm on the night of the demonstration to ease policing and reduce risks.

What to expect if you’re in Sydney during the visit

Heightened police presence across the CBD and eastern suburbs, including plain clothes and uniformed officers.
Road closures, clearway zones and temporary barriers in central areas around the presidential route and Town Hall precinct.
Potential for disrupted public transport and limited vehicle access near major intersections.
Advice from police: go about your business where safe, but avoid the city centre from 5:30pm on the night of the protest.

Key takeaways

More than 3,000 police have been mobilised for a multi-day security operation tied to the Israeli president’s visit.
The Palestinian Action Group has committed to a Town Hall protest but has been urged to relocate to safer public parks.
Mobile street protests are banned under the current Public Assembly declaration; static assemblies in squares are permitted.
A possible legal challenge to the major events declaration is expected to be lodged in the Supreme Court.
Residents should expect road closures, barriers and increased patrols and should consider avoiding the CBD during the key timeframe.

Frequently asked questions

Will protesters be allowed to march through the city?

Under the Public Assembly declaration, mobile protest activity on streets and footpaths in the declared area is prohibited. Protesters may lawfully meet in public open spaces such as Town Hall Square, provided they remain within that area.

How many police have been deployed?

Police have confirmed a deployment in excess of 3,000 officers across a three- to four-day operation. Exact daily numbers for the single night of protest were not specified but are described as significant.

Are there expected road closures or public transport impacts?

Yes. Authorities plan clearway zones, temporary fencing and barriers near the presidential route and central precincts. These measures are expected to cause road closures and may affect public transport around the CBD during the operation.

Is there a legal challenge to the event restrictions?

The Palestinian Action Group is understood to be preparing a challenge in the Supreme Court to the major events declaration. That legal process will be between the organisers and the government.

What should residents and visitors do?

Avoid the city centre from 5:30pm on the night of the protest if possible, follow police directions, and stay informed through official channels. Those with concerns for personal safety should contact local police or use community safety resources.

The information in this article has been adapted from mainstream news sources and video reports published on official channels. Watch the full video here '3,000 police': Massive operation for Israeli president visit protest | 7NEWS