Hollywood Stars Arrested During Anti-Netanyahu Protest in New York

Two Hollywood actors, Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder, were among at least 30 people arrested during a protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in New York.

The arrests took place on Thursday as protesters gathered near the United Nations headquarters in Manhattan ahead of Netanyahu’s address to the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

Reuters reported that Sarandon, an Oscar-winning actress, and Einbinder, known for her role in the television series Hacks, were taken into custody alongside Democratic congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier and New York City Council member Chi Osse.

Footage showed police handcuffing Sarandon as she participated in the demonstration. Einbinder was also seen being led away by officers as police moved to disperse the protesters.

The demonstration was organised by Jewish Voice for Peace and coincided with Netanyahu’s appearance at the UN. Protesters called for an end to US arms supplies to Israel and carried banners with messages including “Stop Arming Israel” and “End the Genocide.”

New York police said officers responded after protesters blocked an intersection during what they described as an unscheduled demonstration. Officers from the Community Affairs Bureau issued warnings before taking into custody those who refused to comply, according to reports.

The protest drew hundreds of people, with demonstrators sitting in the streets and chanting slogans as Netanyahu prepared to address world leaders inside the UN complex. Traffic around the area was disrupted, while some official motorcades heading towards the United Nations were diverted.

Einbinder had spoken ahead of the demonstration, saying she felt compelled to participate because of her views on the conflict and her identity as a Jewish American.

“This moment calls on each and every one of us to speak out,” she said, urging the United States to stop funding what she described as genocide.

Sarandon, who has been involved in political and humanitarian activism for years, was among the most prominent celebrities at the protest. Her participation came weeks after she said at the Venice Film Festival that her outspoken views had affected her career.

The arrests occurred as Netanyahu delivered a strongly worded address to the General Assembly, where he defended Israel’s actions and responded to growing international criticism over the Gaza conflict.

The demonstrations outside the UN were part of a wider series of protests surrounding Netanyahu’s visit to New York. The Guardian reported that celebrities, elected officials, political candidates and activists joined protesters demanding changes in US policy towards Israel.

The New York demonstration also attracted several political figures, including candidates and elected officials who have publicly criticised US support for Israel.

Police had not initially confirmed the total number of arrests when the protest began, but Reuters later reported that at least 30 people had been detained. Other reports gave higher estimates as demonstrations continued across the city.

The arrests further highlighted the political tensions surrounding Netanyahu’s appearance at the UN, where his speech was met with protests outside and a walkout by dozens of delegates inside the General Assembly.