Actors Sarandon, Einbinder Arrested Outside UN Ahead of Netanyahu Speech

NEW YORK — Actors Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder were among approximately 100 protesters arrested by New York City police on Thursday outside the United Nations headquarters in anticipation of a speech by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The arrests occurred as demonstrators gathered to oppose Netanyahu's address to the General Assembly, marking a significant escalation in protests surrounding the diplomat's visit. Police moved quickly to detain the group after they attempted to breach security perimeters near the delegation entrance on First Avenue. Jewish Voice for Peace, an advocacy organization that coordinated the demonstration, accused the United Nations of "playing host to a war criminal" by allowing Netanyahu to speak at the international body. The group stated that their actions were a necessary moral stand against ongoing violence in the region. Sarandon and Einbinder, both well-known figures in the entertainment industry, joined hundreds of activists who chanted slogans demanding an end to the conflict and calling for sanctions against Israel. City police officers formed lines to separate protesters from the UN grounds, issuing warnings before proceeding with mass arrests. Those detained were processed at a nearby precinct, where they faced charges related to unlawful assembly and obstruction of traffic. The incident disrupted morning rush hour in Midtown Manhattan, causing significant delays for commuters and pedestrians as officers managed the crowd. Security around the United Nations has been heightened in recent days following similar demonstrations in other global cities. While the protesters maintained that their presence was a peaceful exercise of free speech, authorities characterized the breach of designated safety zones as a violation of public order statutes. Netanyahu's office did not immediately comment on the specific arrests but reiterated the Prime Minister's commitment to addressing the General Assembly regarding regional security and diplomatic efforts. The United Nations spokesperson declined to address the protests directly, stating only that security protocols are in place to ensure the safety of all delegations and visitors. Legal aid groups have mobilized to assist the arrested individuals, with attorneys expected to represent many of the detainees in upcoming court proceedings. It remains unclear how many of the arrested protesters will be released on bail or if further legal action will be taken against the organizers. As night fell over Manhattan, the area remained under increased surveillance, with police monitoring for potential follow-up demonstrations ahead of Netanyahu's scheduled remarks later in the day.