Netanyahu Defends Israel at UN Amid Walkouts and Arrests as Diplomatic Isolation Deepens
Developing story first seen 31 minutes ago
Actresses Hannah Einbinder and Susan Sarandon were detained by police on 24 September whilst protesting outside the United Nations against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's appearance at the General Assembly. Their detentions, captured in viral social media images, occurred as Netanyahu delivered a combative speech defending Israel's military operations and rejecting genocide allegations, whilst dozens of UN delegates walked out of the chamber in protest. The incident underscores deepening diplomatic isolation and intensified public opposition to Israeli policy.
The two actors, both outspoken critics of Israeli politics and supporters of Palestine, were detained whilst chanting at demonstrations outside the venue. Netanyahu's speech included pointed attacks on those who had departed, questioning their whereabouts when Iran allegedly killed civilians, and criticising New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and internet streamer Hasan Piker. Both Einbinder and Sarandon have previously stated that speaking out on Palestine has damaged their careers; Sarandon reported recent film roles being withdrawn due to industry pressure, whilst Einbinder emphasised that remaining silent carried a greater cost than professional consequences.
- Actresses Einbinder and Sarandon detained at Netanyahu UN protest on 24 September
- Both have faced career repercussions for openly supporting Palestine
- Netanyahu's speech sparked walkouts and characterised opponents as moral cowards
New here? Start with this
Benjamin Netanyahu is the Prime Minister of Israel. For several years, Israel and Palestinian territories have been in conflict, with military operations in Gaza causing significant casualties and displacement of civilians. This conflict has become increasingly contentious internationally, with widespread debate over whether Israel's actions comply with international law and humanitarian standards.
Israel faces allegations of committing genocide in Gaza, which Netanyahu's government rejects. Netanyahu argues that Israel is defending itself against security threats and is not targeting civilians. This fundamental disagreement shapes global responses to Israeli policy, with countries divided on whether to support, condemn, or take a neutral stance on Israeli military operations.
Israel's international standing has been affected by the conflict. Many countries, groups, and individuals have expressed concern about civilian casualties and the humanitarian situation. Meanwhile, Israeli officials argue that international criticism overlooks their security challenges and the threat posed by armed groups. This polarisation reflects deeper questions about national defence, international law, and civilian protection in armed conflict.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Netanyahu and his supporters argue that Israel faces legitimate security threats and has the right to defend itself militarily against actors who target civilians. They contend that international criticism often ignores the complex security environment Israel operates within and the efforts taken to minimise civilian casualties whilst targeting military objectives. From this perspective, much of the diplomatic opposition reflects political fashion rather than rigorous analysis, and Netanyahu's challenge to nations ignoring atrocities elsewhere represents fair questioning of selective outrage and double standards in international discourse.
The case against
Critics argue that the scale and humanitarian impact of Israeli military operations warrant serious international scrutiny and moral opposition. They hold that peaceful protest is a fundamental democratic right, particularly when dissenting from government policies, and that artists should not face professional consequences for exercising that right or speaking conscience. From this perspective, the walkouts reflect genuine international concern about the conduct of military operations, and the detention of protesters—alongside career pressure on dissenting voices—undermines democratic discourse rather than advancing Israeli security or diplomatic resolution.
Coverage
- Daily Mail — Defiant Netanyahu brands Gaza genocide claims the ‘biggest lie of the century’ and attacks ‘moral cowards’ as scores of delegates walk out during fiery UN speech
- BBC World — Dozens of UN delegates leave before Netanyahu addresses General Assembly
- Variety — Hannah Einbinder and Susan Sarandon detained during protest before Netanyahu speech
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