ISTANBUL

The Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) on Monday slammed the Australian government’s decision to host Israeli President Isaac Herzog as "shameful" and a "deliberate disregard for international law."

In a statement, the ANIC said that Canberra's decision is against "basic ethical standards, and the values of justice, accountability, and human dignity" that Australia must uphold.

Herzog arrived in Sydney on a four-day visit amid tight security and protest calls.

In September last year, a UN Human Rights Council-mandated Commission of Inquiry found that Herzog had incited the commission of genocide in Gaza.

Herzog’s conduct, it added, goes beyond rhetoric, as he was publicly photographed signing artillery shells later used in the bombardment of Gaza and the killing of innocent people.

"Such behavior is neither normal nor acceptable and should disqualify any individual from being welcomed as a legitimate guest of Australia, but rather warrant investigation and prosecution for war crimes," the statement further said.

"This action is not directed at the Jewish community, nor at Australians of any faith or background. We stand in solidarity with the Jewish community and mourn all innocent victims of violence, including those affected by the horrific Bondi terrorist attack," it added.

However, the ANIC said, accountability and justice must not be selectively applied or set aside for political convenience.

"Welcoming a foreign head of state credibly accused of inciting genocide and being complicit in war crimes undermines Australia’s commitment to human rights, international law, social cohesion, and moral leadership. Australia must choose accountability over complicity, justice over hypocrisy, and the rule of law over political expediency," the statement concluded.

A ceasefire halted an Israeli offensive that began in Oct. 2023, killing over 72,000 Palestinians and wounding more than 171,000 others, while destroying about 90% of Gaza’s infrastructure.

Despite the ceasefire, the Israeli army has continued to violate it, killing 576 Palestinians and wounding 1,543 others, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.