Naarm, Melbourne, Australia – Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in central Melbourne on February 12, 2026, protesting Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit to the city.

Video filmed by X user ExponentialTechnology shows a dense, organized procession with Palestinian flags waving throughout the crowd. Many participants wore keffiyehs, carried placards and banners with messages calling for justice, ceasefires, and denouncing Herzog as a “war criminal.” Chants rang out in unison as people marched shoulder-to-shoulder, some raising fists or signs high under clear February skies.

The footage captures Melbourne’s cityscape in the background, including tall buildings, traffic lights, and shopfronts, along a major CBD thoroughfare. The demonstration appeared peaceful, with no police clashes or major disruptions.

The video was posted on X around 06:59 GMT, showing massive engagement with over 5,800 views, 500 likes, 116 reposts, and 81 replies. Supporters praised the crowd’s size and peaceful conduct, while critics mocked the use of “Naarm,” accused protesters of idleness, or defended Herzog’s visit. Some comments highlighted recognition of Melbourne’s Indigenous name.

This protest was part of nationwide demonstrations in Australia responding to Herzog’s state visit, which followed the December 2025 Bondi Beach mass shooting. Earlier protests in Sydney on February 9 included clashes with police, 27 arrests, and pepper spray use. Melbourne crowds demanded Herzog’s accountability over Gaza, citing more than 40,000 reported deaths, reflecting ongoing debates over the conflict.

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