Netanyahu teases ‘surprises’ in UNGA speech, protests expected in NYC
Ahead of his address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised “surprises” while defending Israel’s military actions and criticizing local leaders. Pro- and anti-Israel protests are expected outside the UN headquarters during his visit. FOX 5 NY’s Jessica Formoso reports.
NEW YORK – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will address the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday. He teased there would be “surprises” during his speech in a video shared online.
Thursday is also another Gridlock Alert Day in New York City, with ongoing Manhattan street closures and heavy traffic disruptions on the East Side.
Here’s what to know about the UNGA today.
NYC Gridlock Alert: Thursday street closures & traffic advisories
Local perspective:
The NYC Department of Transportation declared a Gridlock Alert Day for every day this week due to the UN General Assembly. Street closures are in effect on Manhattan’s East Side through Saturday, September 26. They are primarily active while the UNGA is in session, typically until about 9 p.m. each day.
NYC prepares massive security operation for UN General Assembly in Manhattan
New York City officials have launched a massive joint security operation ahead of the 81st UN General Assembly, locking down parts of Manhattan to protect nearly 200 visiting world dignitaries. Despite no specific credible threats, authorities maintain heightened security amid global tensions and high-profile arrivals.
Key street closures include:
First Avenue: Closed from 41st Street to 48th Street.44th through 47th Streets: Closed between First Avenue and Second Avenue.42nd Street: Closed between First Avenue and Second Avenue.FDR Drive: The 42nd Street exit off the FDR Drive will be completely blocked.
NYPD may close additional side streets at their discretion throughout the day.
UN week traffic in NYC
Additional street closures may occur at any time across Manhattan as motorcades and foreign dignitaries move throughout the city. Commuters are strongly urged to take mass transit and avoid driving, if possible.
UN General Assembly Thursday speaker schedule
Here is the full list of leaders scheduled to address the UNGA on Thursday, Sept. 24:
Morning session Zimbabwe – President Emmerson Dambudzo MnangagwaMadagascar – President Michaël RandrianirinaGhana – President John Dramani MahamaPalestine – President Mahmoud AbbasGuyana – President Mohamed Irfaan AliSomalia – President Hassan Sheikh MohamudComoros – President Azali AssoumaniLiberia – President Joseph Nyuma BoakaiMarshall Islands – President Hilda HeinePresidentBolivia – Constitutional President Rodrigo Paz PereiraHungary – President András Bálint BakaUruguay – President Yamandú OrsiEuropean Union – President of the EU Council António CostaEquatorial Guinea – Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang MangueGambia – Vice President Muhammed JallowColombia – Vice President José Manuel RestrepoIsrael – Prime Minister Benjamin NetanyahuPortugal – Prime Minister Luís Montenegro Afternoon session Senegal – President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar FayeFiji – President Ratu Naiqama Tawakecolati LalabalavuCôte d’Ivoire – Vice President Tiémoko Meyliet KonéNigeria – Vice President Kashim ShettimaYemen – Vice President Abdullah Abdulkader Al Alimi-BawzerKuwait – Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-SabahBarbados – Prime Minister Mia Amor MottleyArmenia – Prime Minister Nikol PashinyanThailand – Prime Minister Anutin CharnvirakulGeorgia – Prime Minister Irakli KobakhidzheBangladesh – Prime Minister Tarique RahmanNetherlands – Prime Minister Rob JettenSlovenia – Prime Minister Janez JanšaGreece – Prime Minister Kyriakos MitsotakisAustralia – Prime Minister Anthony AlbaneseIreland – Taoiseach Micheál MartinNepal – Prime Minister Balendra Shah
The Source: This article is based on the United Nations General Debate schedule for Thursday, Sept. 24 and street closures provided by the NYC Department of Transportation.