Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu sets foot in Australia

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Sydney on Wednesday for a four-day visit to Australia. He was welcomed by Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

Netanyahu flew into Sydney from Singapore for the official first trip in the Land Down Under of a sitting Israeli prime minister. He boarded a large white cruiser near the Opera House with his wife, Sara Netanyahu.

They sped across the harbour to Admiralty House where the Netanyahus were welcomed by Turnbull and his wife, Lucy Turnbull. Netanyahu and his spouse were greeted with a 19-gun salute and an Australian Naval band.

The leaders walked through the gardens of Admiralty House towards a delegation of government officials from Israel and Australia. Police boats patrolled the harbour around Admiralty House at Kirribilli as police helicopter hovered overhead according to news.com.au.

The Israeli prime minister stood on a black Dias on the lawn outside Admiralty House as Israel's national anthem played, then inspected the Federation Guard lined before him. Netanyahu was then introduced by his Australian counterpart to a small group of Australian officials, which include New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian. Netanyahu introduced Turnbull to a group of Israeli officials too.

Netanyahu and Turnbull with their wives then strolled along the lower balconies of the historic sandstone residence. Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove and his wife Lady Lynne Cosgrove were waiting at the front door to greet Netanyahu and his wife.

The leader of Israel thanked Cosgrove for Australia's efforts in liberating Beersheba during World War I. His wife mentioned that the aforementioned battle is heading to its 100th anniversary later this year.

Turnbull and Netanyahu will reportedly sign a deal on technology and air services. The two leaders are expected to talk about the expansion of co-operation in several areas like cyber-security, innovation and science.

On Monday, over 60 prominent Australians, including religious and business leaders, academics, lawyers, former politicians and entertainers, have issued a joint statement to oppose Netanyahu’s visit because of his government’s policies towards Palestinians. They believe that Israel’s prime minister sets up rules that "provoke, intimidate and oppress" the Palestinian people.

The Conversation reported that pro-Palestinian activist groups are geared for protests throughout the week in Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne. The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network has also launched an online page as a medium for people to voice their protest. Earlier this week, over 50 people gathered outside the Israeli embassy in Canberra to oppose the visit.