Full Breakdown
Protests and Arrests Mark New York’s Clash Over Netanyahu’s UN Speech
By Drooid · · How we work
The Demonstrations and Police Response
On Thursday, dozens of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered near First Avenue and 39th Street to block traffic as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepared to address the United Nations General Assembly. Organisers from Jewish Voice for Peace, the Democratic Socialists of America and the Palestinian Youth Movement called the sit-in a demand to end U.S. military aid to Israel.
Police responded after issuing repeated warnings. Arrest counts vary: the NYPD cited 103 people, Al Jazeera reported “more than 100,” and CNN noted “about 100.” Those detained included actress Susan Sarandon, comedian Hannah Einbinder, congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier and City Council members Chi Ossé and Alexa Avilés. Several elected officials later confirmed they were among the roughly 100 arrestees.
Background: Netanyahu’s UN Address and Local Political Tensions
Netanyahu reiterated that an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant issued in November 2024 for war crimes remains in force. The mayor’s earlier pledge to seek the ICC’s arrest of Netanyahu was later qualified by his admission that he lacks legal authority to do so.
Key Figures
- Darializa Avila Chevalier – Democratic nominee for New York’s 13th Congressional District.
- Zohran Mamdani – Mayor of New York City, vocal critic of Israel’s Gaza campaign.
- Benjamin Netanyahu – Prime Minister of Israel, delivering a UNGA speech.
- Aber Kawas – Democratic state-senate nominee, arrested while protesting.
- Jess Frankel Carrel – Organizer with Jewish Voice for Peace.
Data & Statistics
- Arrests: NYPD reported 103; Al Jazeera and CNN each cited “about 100.”
- Protest size: estimates range from roughly 200 to 400 participants.
- Gaza casualties: the Gaza Ministry of Health cites 73,900 Palestinian deaths since October 7 2023.
- ICC warrant: issued for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
Official Statements & Responses
- Mamdani accused Netanyahu of “sanitizing his genocide of Palestinians” and called for the ICC to enforce its warrant.
- NYPD described the demonstration as an “unscheduled demonstration” that blocked an intersection, noting officers acted after community-affairs officers warned participants and confirmed their intent to be arrested.
- Israel’s ambassador (as reported by Fox News) warned that “our government has unlimited funds to arm a genocide against Palestinians but tells us there’s nothing left to feed and house our own people. Stop arming Israel!”
On-the-Ground Reports
Protesters wore white T-shirts with slogans such as “Fund people not bombs” and “End the genocide.” Zip-tied hands of Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder were captured on video. Al Jazeera quoted a demonstrator, Jose: “I’m born and raised in New York City, and it’s a total disrespect for Benjamin Netanyahu to be here.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Arrest numbers differ across outlets (103 vs >100 vs about 100).
- Protest size estimates vary, indicating a lack of precise crowd-counting.
- Charges: QNS notes that arrested demonstrators were expected to be charged with disorderly conduct, but no follow-up details on prosecutions have been released.
What’s Next
The ICC warrant remains active, and Netanyahu’s speech is expected to influence diplomatic discussions ahead of Israel’s parliamentary elections in October.