Netanyahu’s UN Address Sparks Mass Walkouts and NYC Arrests of Celebrities

Key points

• Netanyahu addressed the UN General Assembly on September 24, 2026, amidst significant protests both inside and outside the venue.
• Actors Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder, along with NYC Council member Chi Ossé and congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier, were arrested by the NYPD for blocking an intersection near the UN.
• Dozens of UN delegates walked out of the chamber as Netanyahu began his speech, chanting in protest.
• Netanyahu defended the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, stating that destroying Iranian nuclear facilities was necessary for global security.
• New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani criticized Netanyahu as a war criminal but did not participate in the street protests, citing public safety concerns.

Background

This event follows a period of heightened tension regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza and Iran. In late August 2026, President Trump approved a $2.8 billion weapons sale to Israel. Earlier in September, Mayor Mamdani called for Netanyahu’s arrest under International Criminal Court warrants, a move Netanyahu rejected as incitement. Previous coverage from September 24 noted similar protests and arrests, highlighting the ongoing conflict between pro-Palestinian activists and Israeli leadership.

How outlets are covering it

The Guardian and Mother Jones emphasize the scale of the protests and the arrests of high-profile figures like Sarandon and Einbinder, framing the event as a significant moment of dissent against Israel’s policies. Fox News focuses on Netanyahu’s rhetoric, highlighting his criticism of delegates as 'moral cowards' and his defense of military actions against Iran. While The Guardian and Mother Jones note the arrests of local politicians and celebrities, Fox News does not detail the specific individuals arrested, instead focusing on Netanyahu’s verbal clashes with critics like Mamdani and influencer Hasan Piker. All sources agree on the mass walkout and the contentious nature of the speech, but differ in their emphasis on the protest’s legitimacy versus Netanyahu’s defense of his actions.

Why it matters

The event underscores the deepening international divide over Israel’s military actions and the growing political polarization in the US regarding foreign policy. The arrests of prominent figures and the mass walkout signal a shift in public and diplomatic sentiment, potentially influencing future US-Israel relations and domestic political dynamics. The clash between Netanyahu and figures like Mamdani highlights the increasing intersection of local politics with international conflicts, raising questions about accountability and free speech in the context of global crises.

What to watch

The aftermath of the UN speech may lead to further diplomatic tensions between the US and Israel, as well as increased scrutiny of Netanyahu’s actions by international bodies. The arrests of protesters could spark legal and political debates about free speech and protest rights in New York City. Additionally, the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Iran may continue to dominate global news, with potential implications for US foreign policy and domestic politics in the lead-up to the 2026 midterms.