Deputy Victorian Liberal Leader David Southwick has expressed serious safety concerns at the Victorian State Parliament amid ongoing anti-Israel protests.

He has drawn attention to a recent video by Rebel News reporter Avi Yemini, revealing disturbing incidents of violence by the protesters.

🚨Deputy opposition leader demands ‘urgent action’ from the premier following my attack outside parliament

FULL STORY: https://t.co/oTg60fqY0A pic.twitter.com/XscZAvPZ3X

— Avi Yemini (@OzraeliAvi) May 2, 2024

Southwick has taken action by writing to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and the President of the Legislative Council, urging them to address the situation. Parliament has the authority to regulate who can access parliamentary grounds and enforce those rules if required.

The Rebel News footage captured shocking behaviour by anti-Israel protesters, including Mohammed Sharab, who is currently out on bail for alleged involvement in a violent abduction and assault.

Southwick highlighted the incidents where Avi and a security guard were threatened, including one where a glass bottle was hurled at them.

“There is no place for intimidation and violence by these protestors. I have asked on the Parliament of Victoria and Premier to refer the matter to Police and expel those responsible from the parliament precinct” he said.

Concerns were raised about the protesters congregating at the top of the steps, causing intimidation and discomfort for visitors, particularly those from the Jewish community.

This is a must watch. Nearly any media crew would have bailed at the first threat. @OzraeliAvi stood his ground against a violent thug and his bravery allows us to see what has been imported into this country.pic.twitter.com/QxxMNBEjzy

— Daniel (@VoteLewko) April 30, 2024

Southwick shared accounts of cancelled tours by Jewish schools and organisations due to safety concerns.

He also cited an email from the Serjeant-at-Arms of the Legislative Assembly, indicating the potential closure of the parliament's front doors due to safety considerations.

While affirming the right to peaceful protest, Southwick stressed that the parliament should not continually accommodate violent demonstrators who disregard safety.

He also condemned the violence, calling for police intervention and expulsion of those responsible from the parliamentary precinct.

Today, Labor made it clear they are willing to tolerate hate and compromise our safety.

On the steps of Vic Parliament, anti-Israel protestors created an effigy of a militant from the proscribed terrorist organisation Hamas.

When I tried to raise it, Labor gagged me.#springst pic.twitter.com/ZL4Z5u21p0

— David Southwick MP (@SouthwickMP) April 30, 2024

Southwick further called out the Labor government, slamming its censorship after being denied leave to move a motion regarding anti-Israel demonstrators' actions.

He accused the government of tolerating hate and compromising safety by its refusal.