This today’s episode of the New Politics podcast, we explore the political firestorm surrounding Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit to Sydney and why it became a nationwide flashpoint over Gaza, free speech, protest rights and Australia’s foreign policy. As Prime Minister Anthony Albanese spoke of “social cohesion”, tens of thousands protested in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and more than 30 cities, opposing Australia’s bipartisan support for Israel amid the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and escalating violence in the West Bank. We examine allegations of war crimes, apartheid and genocide raised by international organisations, the rapid expansion of hate speech laws – including proposed bans on phrases such as “from the river to the sea” and “globalise the intifada” – and concerns about political influence, lobbying, defence ties and democratic rights in Australia. Is criticism of Israel and Zionism being conflated with antisemitism? And has Australia compromised its commitment to human rights and free expression in pursuit of alliance politics?   #AUSPOL  

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Song listing:

• ‘La Femme d’Argent’, AIR.