In short:
Police are preparing for the Israeli President’s visit to Victoria, with a major security operation underway and protests expected to occur. Authorities say special police powers were granted as a precaution and there is no intelligence indicating any specific threat.
Focus On Public Safety
A significant police operation is underway across Victoria ahead of the Israeli President’s visit scheduled for Thursday, with authorities confirming preparations are focused on safety and managing planned protest activity.
Victoria Police said it has been working closely with partner agencies and key stakeholders to ensure the visit proceeds without incident, while also supporting people’s right to protest safely.
Police said their number one priority is the safety of all involved, including the visiting delegation, protesters, the broader community and police members.
A protest is planned for Thursday and is expected to be similar to a demonstration held in the Melbourne CBD on Monday, 9 February. Police said that protest was largely peaceful and that, at this stage, no significant public order issues are anticipated.
Earlier today, police were granted special powers under the Terrorism (Community Protection) Act. Authorities stressed the powers were sought as a precautionary measure only and confirmed there is no intelligence suggesting the visit is the target of any specific threat.
Police said the additional powers are intended to provide the highest level of security for the visit and to protect everyone involved, as well as the wider community.
For operational reasons, police said they will not comment on specific security arrangements relating to dignitary visits.
Deputy Commissioner Bob Hill said a comprehensive police response has been developed in consultation with key stakeholders.
“Victoria Police has developed a comprehensive police response in conjunction with key stakeholders for this visit, with our primary focus being the safety of the community and all involved,” he said.
“Significant planning has been undertaken and a number of police, including a range of specialist resources, will be dedicated to the event to ensure the highest level of safety and security for all involved.
“We want to be clear that there is no intelligence at this time to suggest that the event is the target of any specific threat.
“However, we are well prepared for both the visit and any protest activity this week, and have adequate police resources available to provide an agile response to any incidents.
“Monday’s protest in Melbourne was largely peaceful and the majority of the crowd was well behaved. At this time, we are expecting Thursday’s protests to be the same.
“Again, our number one aim is to ensure the safety of all involved and we will be working with all parties to make sure that’s the case.”
