Israeli soldiers ran in Sydney Marathon despite protests

SYDNEY, 31 AUGUST 2026 —

Australian authorities granted visas to 40 Israeli soldiers who took part in the Sydney Marathon on Sunday, prompting protests from pro‑Palestine demonstrators and criticism from human‑rights groups over the decision’s compliance with the country’s Migration Act.

The controversy stems from the soldiers’ alleged involvement in operations that have been described by a United Nations Commission of Inquiry member as constituting genocide in Gaza. The Golani Brigade has been singled out as “one of the most criminally accused brigades” in the Israeli military, with its 13th Battalion having fought in Gaza and taken part in Israel’s advance into southern Lebanon.

The brigade has also been linked to the ambush of 15 paramedics and rescue workers in Gaza last year. One participant, identified as Roy Oryon, served as deputy company commander in the brigade’s 13th Battalion.

Human‑rights organisations and the Boycott, Divest, Sanctions (BDS) movement called on Australian officials to investigate the soldiers under Ministerial Direction 110 of the Migration Act, which allows a visa to be denied if an applicant is “reasonably suspected of involvement in genocide, war crimes or crimes against humanity”.

In a statement, BDS said “Australian authorities have a legal obligation to act” and that “every state is obliged to investigate and prosecute those suspected of committing genocide”.

The Department of Home Affairs declined to comment on individual cases, citing privacy concerns. A spokesperson said that all non‑citizens must meet the requirements of the Migration Act 1958 and the Migration Regulations 1994, including identity, health, character and security criteria, and that each application is assessed “on a case‑by‑case basis”.

The issue gained additional urgency after Israel’s military refused to pursue a criminal investigation into the killing of Australian citizen Zomi Frankcom. Frankcom, a 43‑year‑old aid worker, was among seven Australians killed when a World Central Kitchen convoy was struck by three drone attacks in Gaza in April 2024.

The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) demanded “urgent scrutiny” of the Israeli participants, warning that Australia could not claim to uphold international law while allowing individuals suspected of involvement in “plausible genocide” to enter the country without proper investigation. APAN’s statement on Thursday urged the Australian government and police to act before the marathon proceeds.

The controversy has implications for Australia’s reputation as a host of international sporting events and for its immigration policy. The granting of visas to the soldiers occurred despite the broader diplomatic tension following the Frankcom case, and it raises questions about the consistency of Australia’s security and character assessments for foreign nationals linked to alleged war crimes.

The marathon organisers have not issued a public response to the protests, and no legal action has been reported against the participating soldiers. The Department of Home Affairs maintains that its assessment process complies with existing legislation, leaving the matter to be resolved through any further inquiries or potential prosecutions that may arise under Australian law.

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