Hundreds of demonstrators blocked streets outside the United Nations headquarters in New York on Thursday as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived for his address to the General Assembly. Police arrested more than 100 protesters, including celebrities such as Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder, after they sat in roadways and chanted slogans like ‘Let Gaza live’ and ‘Fund people not bombs.’
Netanyahu, in his UN speech, accused New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani of antisemitism, stating that Jewish residents no longer feel safe in the city. Mamdani, who has previously called for Netanyahu’s arrest over alleged war crimes, responded by reiterating his criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Protests Halt Traffic as Netanyahu Arrives
The demonstrations began around noon, with protesters occupying First Avenue near the UN for over an hour. Organizers estimated more than 100 arrests, while the NYPD did not immediately confirm the number. Participants included Jewish, Palestinian, Iranian, and Lebanese New Yorkers, as well as pro-Palestinian political candidates and activists.
Banners reading ‘End the genocide’ and shirts with ‘Fund people not bombs’ were visible among the crowd. A kite bearing the words ‘Free Palestine’ was also flown. Protesters carried signs criticizing U.S. military support for Israel, with some calling for an end to what they described as atrocities in Gaza.
Netanyahu’s UN Address: Accusations and Deflections
In his speech, Netanyahu denied accusations of genocide in Gaza, stating that Israel was preventing genocide rather than committing it. He also targeted Mayor Mamdani directly, saying: ‘Shame on you for distorting the facts, shame on you for inverting victim and aggressor.’
Netanyahu’s visit to New York was brief, with his office noting he would return to Israel for the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. He met with leaders from Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, Panama, Ethiopia, Colombia, Greece, Slovenia, and Papua New Guinea but did not hold discussions with U.S. President Trump.
Mayor Mamdani’s Stance and Legal Limits
Mayor Mamdani, a vocal critic of Israel, had previously stated he would seek Netanyahu’s arrest under an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant alleging war crimes. However, he acknowledged in July that New York officials lack the legal authority to detain Netanyahu due to jurisdictional constraints.
In a statement after Netanyahu’s speech, Mamdani reiterated his position, saying: ‘No lie can change the fact that he remains the subject of an ICC arrest warrant alleging war crimes and crimes against humanity.’
Broader Context: International Criticism and Political Tensions
Netanyahu’s visit occurred amid growing international condemnation of Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Leaders from Europe and the Middle East, including France, the U.K., Jordan, Syria, Qatar, and Turkey, criticized Israel during UN debates on Wednesday.
The protests also highlighted divisions within New York City politics, with Mamdani’s criticism of Israel a key feature of his mayoral campaign. While he has faced backlash for his rhetoric, he has maintained that his opposition is to policies, not individuals.
Celebrity Involvement and Police Response
Beyond Sarandon and Einbinder, other notable figures detained included Chelsea Manning, Caleb Hearon, and Elliot Page. The NYPD confirmed arrests but did not provide a full list of detainees. Organizers described the protest as peaceful, though police moved to clear the streets to allow official motorcades to pass.
The demonstrations reflected broader public frustration over the ongoing conflict in Gaza and U.S. support for Israel, with activists calling for an end to military funding and a halt to what they describe as human rights violations.