No, Netanyahu wasn’t arrested during his UN visit, but those protesting against him were

What Happened

Dozens of people were arrested in New York City on Thursday while protesting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's participation in the UN General Assembly, while thousands took part in protests across the city. A march outside UN headquarters was organised by Jewish Voice for Peace and the Palestinian Youth Movement; a sit-in blocked a main road leading to the UN. Those arrested included actors Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder, activist and whistleblower Chelsea Manning, New York City Council members Alexa Avilés, Linda Sarsour, Jennifer Gutiérrez, Chi Ossé, Darializa Avila-Chevalier and Aber Kawas, New York State Senate candidate Kawas, and Palestinian Youth Movement organiser Ibtehal. Netanyahu himself was not arrested. Einbinder was recorded saying, “Netanyahu out of New York, no bombs on Lebanon, no bombs on Iran, stop the genocide.” Protesters cited the International Criminal Court's November 2024 arrest warrant for Netanyahu, which includes charges of using starvation as a weapon of war, murder, persecution and directing attacks against civilians from "at least 8 October 2023". Inside the UN, dozens of delegations stood up and walked towards the door during Netanyahu's speech, with boos and jeers. Code Pink co-founder Medea Benjamin said delegates should sanction Israel and expel it from the UN, and criticised US weapons sales to Israel.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The protests and UN walkout reflect intense domestic and international opposition to Israeli military operations and US support. The failure to arrest Netanyahu despite an ICC warrant highlights enforcement limits for the court, while the New York mayor's reversal from campaign promises shows friction between local political pledges and legal or federal constraints.

Watch For

Monitor whether any UN member states act on calls to sanction Israel or suspend its UN participation, whether ICC member states attempt to enforce the arrest warrant during Netanyahu's future travel, and whether US arms transfers to Israel or the National Defense Authorization Act language referenced by protesters advances in Congress. Watch for further protests and local official responses in New York City.