# Over 100 Arrested Protesting Netanyahu's UN Speech Amid Genocide Claims

- URL: https://twotakes.us/stories/over-100-arrested-protesting-netanyahus-un-speech-amid-genocide-claims
- Published: 2026-09-25T01:12:17.523747+00:00
- Topics: israel-gaza-war, netanyahu, protests, united-nations, nypd

## What the left says
- Israel's military campaign in Gaza has killed more than 73,000 people and injured tens of thousands of children, and the UN's own commission of inquiry has concluded genocide is being committed, giving protesters moral grounds to demand accountability.
- Netanyahu faces an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for war crimes, so hosting him at the UN without consequence represents impunity that elected officials and everyday New Yorkers felt compelled to protest through civil disobedience.
- The demonstrations united Jewish, Palestinian, Iranian and Lebanese New Yorkers alongside elected officials and candidates, reflecting broad, diverse opposition rather than a fringe movement.
- Protesters point to continued U.S. weapons sales, including a proposed $2.8 billion package, as evidence that American taxpayer dollars are directly funding the harm being protested.

## What the right says
- Netanyahu used his UN address to defend Israel against what he described as unfair colonialism accusations, notably from Britain and France, nations he argues invented the concepts they now level against Israel.
- The protests drew familiar activist celebrities and repeat demonstrators, suggesting an organized, ideologically driven effort rather than a spontaneous outpouring of public sentiment.
- Blocking streets and defying NYPD dispersal orders for over an hour disrupted the city and required police intervention, raising concerns about the line between lawful protest and unlawful obstruction.
- A newly elected Democratic congressional nominee getting arrested for refusing police orders raises questions about whether rising political figures are prioritizing activist credibility over responsible civic conduct.

## Common ground
- More than 100 people were arrested outside the UN during protests coinciding with Netanyahu's speech to the General Assembly.
- Dozens of UN delegates walked out during Netanyahu's address, and the protests drew hundreds to thousands of participants including elected officials and celebrities.
- The NYPD stated it issued warnings before making arrests after protesters blocked an intersection and refused to disperse.
- Both sides recognize the war in Gaza and Netanyahu's leadership are deeply polarizing issues generating passionate public reactions.

## Sources
- [New York Times](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/24/nyregion/un-protest-netanyahu-israel-gaza.html) (Lean Left)
- [RedState](https://redstate.com/bobhoge/2026/09/24/protests-break-out-in-nyc-ahead-of-netanyahus-speech-and-some-of-the-usual-suspects-are-there-n2207345) (Unknown)
- [The Guardian US](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/sep/24/netanyahu-un-protests) (Left)
- [The Guardian US](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/sep/25/susan-sarandon-hannah-einbinder-arrested-anti-netanyahu-protest-new-york) (Left)
- [The Guardian US](https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/sep/24/protester-netanyahu-gaza-new-york-arrested) (Left)
- [The Hill](https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/6109871-avila-chevalier-arrested-netanyahu/) (Center)
- [Washington Post](https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/09/24/darializa-avila-chevalier-arrested-during-netanyahu-protest-new-york/) (Lean Left)
- [Washington Times](https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/sep/24/darializa-avila-chevalier-democratic-house-nominee-arrested-anti/) (Right)

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