Susan Sarandon was detained during a pro-Palestinian protest outside the United Nations Headquarters in New York City on Thursday, 24 September, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the General Assembly inside.
Around 100 people were reportedly arrested during the demonstration. Sarandon, an Oscar-winning actor and outspoken critic of Israel’s military campaign, wore a T-shirt reading “fund people not bombs.” Police had not immediately provided details about possible charges.
Hacks actor Hannah Einbinder was also reportedly detained. Elliot Page and whistleblower Chelsea Manning took part in protests opposing Netanyahu’s arrival, although reports did not indicate that either was among those arrested.
Who else joined the protest outside the UN?
The demonstration drew politicians, entertainers and activists while diplomats gathered for the annual General Assembly session.
New York City Council members Chi Ossé and Jennifer Gutiérrez were pictured with New York Police Department officers, along with New York’s 13th congressional district candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier and comedian Caleb Hearon.
Scenes outside the building grew chaotic as officers detained protesters. Inside, events were only slightly more orderly, which is apparently the diplomatic standard available at present.
When Netanyahu approached the podium that afternoon, he was met with cheers, boos and a coordinated departure by scores of delegates. Large sections of the chamber were left empty after representatives filed out.
Chants supporting Palestine also interrupted the speech as Netanyahu defended Israel’s military operations across the Middle East.
Why did delegates walk out of Netanyahu’s speech?
The Palestinian Mission to the United Nations had urged representatives from the organisation’s 193 member states to attend with as many staff members as possible, then leave together when Netanyahu was introduced.
The mission said the action would show that governments were unwilling to be complicit in what it described as genocide, war crimes and an illegal occupation.
“This will send a clear message to Netanyahu and his government that no one is willing to aid, abet, or be complicit in its genocide and war crimes and illegal occupation, which all peace-loving states and peoples demand must come to an end,” its message said.
The walkout followed that request, leaving Netanyahu to address a visibly depleted hall. He responded by accusing the departing representatives of hypocrisy and cowardice.
“In defending itself, Israel is also defending many of the countries whose delegates just left this hall,” Netanyahu said.
“If there are any other moral cowards who have not yet left the hall, please do so now.”
What did Netanyahu say after the walkout?
Netanyahu claimed that some governments publicly critical of Israel had privately welcomed its actions against Iran.
“Now, you want to hear the ultimate irony?” he said. “Many of the countries whose delegates just left this hall. In fact, I want you to know that many of their leaders even thank us privately for taking out Iran’s nukes. It’s hard to imagine more mind-blowing hypocrisy.”
His speech presented Israel’s military operations as defensive measures that also protected other countries. The delegates who left offered a rather visible disagreement without waiting for the closing remarks.
Israel rejects allegations that it has committed genocide or war crimes. It also disputes claims that it illegally occupies Palestinian territory.
Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory are regarded as illegal under international law, a position the Israeli government rejects. The protest outside the UN and the coordinated walkout inside reflected the continuing international divide over the war, the occupation and support for Netanyahu’s government.
