Hundreds of protesters — including prominent lefty actors and local politicians — gathered near the United Nations Thursday to call for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s arrest.
But dozens of the demonstrators found themselves in cuffs instead as NYPD cops worked to clear First Avenue ahead of Netanyahu’s speech to the UN General Assembly, law enforcement sources said.
Among those taken into custody was Democratic Socialists of America member and Zohran Mamdani-backed House hopeful Darializa Avila-Chevalier, who smiled and chanted, “Free Palestine” as she was loaded onto an NYPD bus.
Oscar winner Susan Sarandon and fellow anti-Israel actresses Cynthia Nixon and Hannah Einbinder of HBO’s “Hacks,” were also among those arrested ahead of Netanyahu’s speech.
The protest began at around noon, with socialist groups joining Jewish Voice For Peace to block traffic near the UN to call out Netanyahu’s war in Gaza and the ongoing conflict in Iran.
The Israeli prime minister has been accused of conducting crimes against humanity in Gaza following Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack, with the International Criminal Court issuing a warrant for his arrest.
The US, however, does not recognize the ICC’s authority, with Netanyahu joining world leaders to speak before the UN General Assembly.
Among those in the crowd who were chanting, “Stop arming Israel!” and “Let Iran live” were progressive City Council members Tiffany Caban, Chi Ossé, Sandy Nurse and Shahana Hanif.
Also in attendance was embattled NYC-DSA boss Gustavo Gordillo and New York State Assemblywoman Emily Gallagher, a democratic socialist, too.
Sarandon, who has been vocal at pro-Palestine rallies, was also spotted supporting the protesters, along with Einbinder, who said “Free Palestine,” during her Emmy Awards speech last year.
The arrests began less than an hour into the protests, with the demonstrators yelling, “Netanyahu, you can’t hide! We charge you with genocide!” as officers began placing zip-ties around protesters.
Despite the scene, Netanyahu arrived at the UN on schedule and without incident, officials said.
