Australian police have defended their actions after violently clashing with protesters during a demonstration against a visit by Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Video emerged of police charging and punching protesters during the rally in Sydney on Monday night, with a state parliament MP among those who said they were injured in the clashes. Police said 27 people were arrested, with nine later charged, and 10 officers assaulted. Officers showed 'remarkable restraint', NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said Tuesday, adding they 'did what they needed to do'. Earlier, rally organisers had failed in their court bid to overturn police powers limiting their right to demonstrate during Herzog's visit. The government invited Herzog to visit Australia after an antisemitic attack at Bondi Beach, saying it would help the Jewish community heal, despite objections from pro-Palestinian groups. The recent shooting incident had resulted in multiple casualties, prompting heightened security measures. Video footage of the protests outside Sydney's Town Hall and surrounding areas showed several physical confrontations between police and protesters. Josh Lees from the Palestine Action Group described the violence at the protest as the 'worst' he has seen in recent years, arguing that it could have been avoided if the government had allowed the group to march. Police had already implemented restrictions on public protests after the December shooting, effectively giving them authority to suppress demonstrations. NSW Premier Chris Minns defended the police response, asserting they were placed in an 'impossible situation'. Following the events, another protest is planned, aiming to address police actions during the rally and seek accountability.