Australian police defended their use of force during clashes with protesters in Sydney against Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit, which followed a deadly antisemitic attack at Bondi Beach.

Video showed officers charging, punching, and dragging protesters, including Muslim men praying, while 27 people were arrested and 10 officers assaulted.

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon and other officials said officers acted with restraint under difficult circumstances, citing that protesters outnumbered police and engaged in violence.

Organizers had failed in court to overturn restrictions on marching, which were imposed under new “major event” powers after the December shooting, the BBC has reported.

Critics argued the confrontation could have been avoided if authorities had allowed the march, while Premier Chris Minns and police stressed the need to maintain public safety.