In an unprecedented escalation, lawyers in Australia and Malaysia have collaborated to formally call upon the Malaysian Government to issue an extradition request for Israeli President Isaac Herzog, based on the principle of universal jurisdiction for genocide and crimes against humanity.
The initiative follows a detailed 30-page legal complaint filed on Jan 29, 2026 in Australia on behalf of the Australian National Imams Council (ANIC), the Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF), and the Jewish Council of Australia, and is represented by Robert Richter KC.
The legal complaint argues that statements and conduct attributed to President Herzog may amount to incitement to genocide and other serious international crimes, triggering obligations under both Australian domestic law and international legal frameworks, including principles of universal jurisdiction.
The complaints contend that Australia has a legal duty to investigate and, where appropriate, prosecute individuals suspected of international crimes regardless of nationality or official position, in accordance with its international treaty obligations.
In light of the seriousness of the allegations and the unprecedented nature of the legal complaint, the complainants have formally drawn the matter to the attention of international community, including in Malaysia.
Building on that complaint, legal experts have urged Malaysia to seek Herzog's arrest and extradition, citing the historic Pinochet precedent, which affirmed that no office confers immunity for international crimes.
"By pursuing extradition, Malaysia would reaffirm that principle and help close the gap between international law and enforcement," said lawyer and Centre for Human Rights Research and Advocacy (Centhra) Malaysia chairman Azril Mohd Amin.
Australian lawyer Bernadette Zaydan said: "legal complaint sent to the Australian Federal Police, Attorney General and Minister for Home Affairs establishes the credible basis for prosecution of President Herzog.
Malaysia now has the opportunity and legal authority to trigger the process internationally by filing an extradition request.
This is how impunity for international crimes is practically challenged, through cross-border legal cooperation".
The latest action against President Herzog's visit to Australia is a strategic shift towards multinational legal pressure, designed to overcome the inaction of Australian authorities. By urging a friendly state with a strong stance on international law to initiate extradition proceedings, lawyers aim to create a jurisdictional trigger that could compel action in any country where Herzog may travel.
Centre for Human Rights Research and Advocacy
