Actors Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder were among protesters arrested outside the United Nations in New York on Thursday as demonstrators gathered ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to the General Assembly.
The protest, organised by Jewish Voice for Peace, drew around 200 people to First Avenue near the UN headquarters, according to Reuters. Police warned protesters to leave the intersection before arresting those who remained in the road. Reuters reported at least 30 arrests, while Jewish Voice for Peace said 104 people were arrested.
Inside the UN, dozens of delegates walked out when Netanyahu began his speech. He described those who left as 'moral cowards' and invited anyone else who felt the same to leave before continuing his address.
Sarandon and Einbinder Among Protesters Arrested
Sarandon and Einbinder were among those taken into custody during the demonstration, which took place shortly before Netanyahu's appearance at the General Assembly. Reuters also identified Democratic congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier and New York City Council member Chi Ossé among those arrested.
Jewish Voice for Peace said about 400 Jewish, Palestinian, Iranian and Lebanese New Yorkers took part, while Reuters put the crowd at around 200. Protesters wore white T-shirts carrying slogans including 'Fund People Not Bombs' and called for an end to US military support for Israel.
Hannah Einbinder and Susan Sarandon were detained by police this afternoon in New York City while protesting Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech at the U.N. assembly. pic.twitter.com/JNctL7zoCf
— Pop Base (@PopBase) September 24, 2026
The demonstration took place at First Avenue and 39th Street, where protesters sat in the road and blocked traffic. The NYPD said officers from its Community Affairs Bureau issued warnings telling participants to leave, but those who continued to block the intersection were taken into custody.
Other public figures who attended included Elliot Page, Cynthia Nixon, Lucy Dacus, Julien Baker and Chelsea Manning, according to Jewish Voice for Peace. Einbinder, who stars in the television comedy 'Hacks', later said she wanted attention to remain on the humanitarian situation in Gaza and southern Lebanon. She also criticised both major US political parties over their handling of the conflict.
Delegates Walk Out as Netanyahu Begins Speech
The street demonstration coincided with a separate walkout inside the General Assembly chamber. Dozens of delegates left as Netanyahu began speaking, with Reuters reporting that Palestinian representatives were among those who walked out.
Netanyahu addressed the departing delegations before beginning his main remarks.
'Before I begin, if there are any other moral cowards who haven't yet left this hall please do so now,' he said.
His comments were directed at the UN delegates who had walked out and those who remained in the chamber. The remark was separate from the arrests taking place outside the UN.
Netanyahu Defends Israel's Military Actions
During his address, Netanyahu rejected allegations that Israel was committing genocide in Gaza, describing the accusation as 'the lie of the century'. He defended Israel's military operations in Gaza and its actions against Iran, presenting them as necessary for the country's security.
He also criticised Britain and France over moves towards recognising a Palestinian state. Netanyahu accused Western European governments of giving in to what he called 'antisemitic mobs' and argued that criticism of Israel undermined its right to self-defence.
The address came as Israel faced international criticism over its military campaign in Gaza and debate continued over Palestinian statehood. The walkout and arrests took place separately, but both unfolded as Netanyahu addressed the General Assembly.
