Australian federal police have charged a 19-year-old man for allegedly making online death threats against a foreign head of state, just days before Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s scheduled visit to Australia.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) said the teenager was arrested in Sydney and charged with using a social media platform last month to issue threats “towards a foreign head of state and internationally protected person.” The offense carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison under Australian law.
Although police did not officially name the intended target, multiple Australian media outlets, including The Sydney Morning Herald, reported that the threats were directed at President Isaac Herzog. The same report said the suspect also allegedly made threats against U.S. President Donald Trump.
The teenager was refused police bail and is scheduled to appear in a Sydney court on Thursday. During a search of a Sydney residence on Wednesday, officers seized a mobile phone and equipment allegedly linked to drug use and manufacturing, according to the AFP statement.
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Authorities said the investigation was led by federal counterterrorism and cybercrime units, reflecting the seriousness of threats made against internationally protected persons.
President Herzog is due to arrive in Australia on Sunday for a five-day official visit, following an invitation from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The visit comes in the aftermath of the deadly Bondi Beach shooting in December, which killed 15 people during a Jewish Hanukkah celebration.
During his visit, Herzog is expected to meet survivors and families of victims from the December 14 attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, according to Australian officials.
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Herzog’s visit has drawn opposition from pro-Palestinian groups, with demonstrations planned in several major Australian cities. In response, New South Wales police extended restrictions on protests in parts of Sydney earlier this week, citing “significant animosity” and public safety concerns.
The Palestine Action Group has called for a rally in Sydney on Monday, urging supporters to march to the New South Wales state parliament in what organizers described as a “mass, peaceful gathering.”
Authorities have not indicated whether additional charges or arrests are expected, but confirmed that digital forensics and intelligence units are continuing to assess the scope of the alleged online threats.
Security agencies said protective measures around President Herzog’s visit remain in place, with coordination between federal and state police to ensure public safety during official events and planned demonstrations.
