Hollywood actress Susan Sarandon and Hacks star Hannah Einbinder were among several people detained by police in New York on Thursday during a protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The demonstration, organised by Jewish Voice for Peace, took place as Netanyahu prepared to address the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Footage from AFP showed New York Police Department officers handcuffing Sarandon during the protest. Einbinder was also reportedly taken into custody.
Protesters carried banners bearing messages including “Stop Arming Israel” and “End the Genocide.”
An NYPD spokesperson said officers responded to reports of an “unscheduled demonstration” after protesters blocked an intersection.
According to the police, members of the NYPD Community Affairs Bureau warned participants to leave the area, but some continued to block the intersection. Several people who refused to comply were subsequently taken into custody. Police did not disclose the total number of arrests.
Meanwhile, inside the United Nations General Assembly, dozens of diplomats reportedly walked out as Netanyahu began his speech.
During his address, Netanyahu criticised countries including Britain and France, which have recently moved to recognise a Palestinian state. He also defended Israel against accusations of colonialism.
Sarandon, known for films including Thelma & Louise, Dead Man Walking and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, has previously participated in protests over Israel’s war in Gaza.
Earlier this month, she told journalists at the Venice Film Festival that she believed her outspoken views had affected her professional opportunities, claiming that some films had been taken away from her because of her position on the conflict.
The protest occurred amid continued international debate over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and growing calls from activists for an end to the war and for restrictions on arms transfers to Israel.
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