Australian politics live: Wong acknowledges ‘depth of feeling’ on Herzog visit but calls for would-be protesters to ‘recall the context’

Israeli president to arrive in Australia next week. Follow today’s news liveWho is Israel’s president Isaac Herzog and why is his visit to Australia expected to prompt mass protests?Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastWong says she understands there are many different views held over Herzog’s visit with some, including the Palestine Action Group, still planning to protest Herzog’s arrival in Sydney next week.Asked whether those groups should be allowed to protest, Wong says:We are a country, a democracy where we know people have differences of views, and I do understand very keenly that people have different views about this visit. There is a depth of feeling in different communities across Australia. We see that, we feel that. What I would ask people to recall is the context and circumstances of this visit and the purpose of it, which is to honour the victims of the antisemitic terror attack.I really do understand the depth of feeling about this visit, the depth of feeling in the community about what we’ve seen in Gaza, which is why we’ve been so clear about working, we’re pressing for peace with others in the international community for civilians to be protected and for aid to flow.We always consider legal advice in relation to our obligations. I’ve made the point. We have invited him.I have said previously that Israel will be judged by the International Court of Justice on its compliance with the Genocide Convention. And I’ve also said previously that it must accept its responsibility for the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Continue reading...