Netanyahu's UN Address Triggers Mass Walkouts and 103 Arrests in NYC
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a combative speech to the UN General Assembly on September 24, 2026, defending Israel's military actions in Gaza and rejecting accusations of genocide. The address prompted a mass walkout by delegates from dozens of countries. Simultaneously, over 100 people, including celebrities and politicians, were arrested in New York City during a sit-in protest organized by Jewish Voice for Peace. Netanyahu also attacked New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and other critics, framing his remarks as a defense against global hostility ahead of Israeli elections.
Key points
- NYPD arrested 103 protesters, including Susan Sarandon, Hannah Einbinder, and Chelsea Manning, during a sit-in on First Avenue near the UN headquarters.
- Netanyahu stated Israel's war in Gaza was the 'opposite of genocide' despite the death of over 73,000 Palestinians, according to Al Jazeera.
- Delegates from dozens of countries walked out of the UN General Assembly hall before or during Netanyahu's speech, highlighting international isolation.
- Netanyahu labeled New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani an antisemite and accused Qatar of funding 'toxic media outlets,' according to The Guardian and Al Jazeera.
- The Washington Post reported that Darializa Avila Chevalier, a Democratic House candidate, was arrested and stated she refused to allow a 'war criminal' to roam New York unchallenged.
Background
This event follows a year of escalating tensions, including a 2025 UN inquiry finding Israel committed genocide in Gaza and ICC arrest warrants for Netanyahu. The current protests and speech occur ahead of critical Israeli parliamentary elections in October 2026, where Netanyahu seeks to consolidate domestic support.
How outlets are covering it
CNN and The Washington Post focused on the arrests of high-profile figures like Susan Sarandon and Darializa Avila Chevalier, emphasizing the scale of the protest and the involvement of political candidates. Al Jazeera highlighted the content of Netanyahu's speech, noting his denial of genocide and attacks on international mediators like Qatar and Turkey, while framing the speech as a domestic campaign tool. The Guardian emphasized the 'inflammatory' nature of the speech and the mass walkout by delegates, contrasting the international rejection with domestic Israeli support for Netanyahu's defiant tone.
Why it matters
The event underscores the deepening international isolation of Israel and the polarized global response to the Gaza war. The mass arrests and walkouts signal a significant shift in diplomatic and public sentiment, potentially impacting US-Israel relations and the outcome of upcoming Israeli elections.
What to watch
Analysts expect Netanyahu to use the speech to boost his campaign ahead of October elections, while international pressure may increase following the mass walkout and protests. The ICC proceedings against Netanyahu and the ongoing military actions in Gaza remain central to the conflict.
- Susan Sarandon, Hannah Einbinder among more than 100 detained during anti-Netanyahu protest outside UN CNN
- Protests erupt as Netanyahu gives inflammatory UN speech - The Latest theguardian.com
- Netanyahu’s UN belligerence wins cheers at home as world walks out Al Jazeera
- Netanyahu rages against critics, including Mamdani, at the U.N. General Assembly npr.org
- Democratic House candidate arrested during Netanyahu protest in NYC The Washington Post
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