Summary (tl;dr)

Actress Susan Sarandon, comedian Caleb Hearon, and dozens of other activists were arrested in New York City during protests against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech at the United Nations General Assembly. The demonstrations condemned U.S. support for Israel and called for an end to actions in Gaza.

Essential Background

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been a deeply contentious issue globally, with renewed intensity following events such as the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks and Israel's subsequent military actions in Gaza. This ongoing conflict has led to widespread protests and calls for an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity, though the United States does not recognize the ICC's jurisdiction. Public figures, including Susan Sarandon, have previously voiced strong support for Palestinians, sometimes facing professional repercussions for their activism.

The Full Story

On Thursday, September 24, 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a defiant speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City, defending Israel's military campaigns in Gaza and Iran and denying allegations of genocide. Outside the UN headquarters, hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered, organized by groups like Jewish Voice for Peace, to protest Netanyahu's presence and U.S. arms support for Israel.

During the protests, New York Police Department (NYPD) officers detained over two dozen individuals, including Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon and comedian Caleb Hearon. Other notable figures like Hannah Einbinder, Democratic congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier, and New York City Council member Chi Osse were also arrested. Protesters, some wearing shirts that read "fund people not bombs," blocked traffic and chanted slogans such as "Stop arming Israel, let Gaza live" and "Arrest Netanyahu". Inside the General Assembly, dozens of delegates staged a walkout as Netanyahu began his address, and he notably called out New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani for previously branding him a "war criminal".

Why It Matters

These events highlight the deep international divisions and strong public sentiment surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Netanyahu's leadership. The arrests of prominent figures like Susan Sarandon and Caleb Hearon draw significant media attention to the protests, amplifying the voices calling for an end to U.S. military aid to Israel and accountability for alleged war crimes. Netanyahu's defiant speech and the diplomatic walkouts underscore the growing international isolation Israel faces, while the passionate protests in a major global city like New York reflect widespread public concern and calls for political action from citizens and elected officials alike.

Geographic Location

• United Nations Headquarters, Manhattan, New York City, New York, United States (protests, arrests of celebrities and activists, Benjamin Netanyahu's speech)
• Union Square Park, Manhattan, New York City, New York, United States (protests)
• Brooklyn Bridge, New York City, New York, United States (projection of protest messages)