Over 100 people, including local elected officials, were arrested at protests against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of his scheduled speech before the U.N. General Assembly in Midtown Manhattan Thursday, police said.
Pro-Palestinian protestors, including actress Susan Sarandon (center), block First Ave. at E. 39th St. in protest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before he speaks at the United Nations on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026 in Manhattan, New York. (Barry Williams/ New York Daily News)
City Councilman Chi Osse was among the dozens taken into NYPD custody around 1 p.m. at First Ave. and E. 39th St., according to police. An NYPD spokesperson said there were over 100 arrests.
Pro-Palestinian protestors block First Ave. at E. 39th St. in protest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before he speaks at the United Nations Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026 in Manhattan, New York. (Barry Williams/ New York Daily News)
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said earlier in the week that police anticipated numerous demonstrations against Netanyahu, who has been accused of war crimes by the International Criminal Court for his government’s actions against Palestinians in Gaza.
Pro-Palestinian protestors, including actor Elliot Page, block First Ave. at E. 39th St. in protest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before he speaks at the United Nations Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026 in Manhattan, New York. (Barry Williams/ New York Daily News)
One of the largest demonstrations is being organized by the Palestinian Youth Movement, with protesters planning to march from Bryant Park to the U.N. headquarters on E. 46th St. starting at 4 p.m., according to organizers.
Pro-Palestinian protestors, including Chelsea Manning (center), block First Ave. at E. 39th St. in protest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before he speaks at the United Nations on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026 in Manhattan, New York. (Barry Williams/ New York Daily News)
Mamdani, a fierce critic of Netanyahu who has called him a war criminal and previously threatened to arrest him if he set foot in New York City before ultimately backpedaling, has said he will not join in the protests but encouraged New Yorkers to express themselves through peaceful demonstrations.
Netanyahu is scheduled to deliver his remarks at 2 p.m.