Chaotic protests erupted in New York City ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Friday speech to the UN General Assembly.
Over two dozen protesters were arrested at the demonstration, which took place across several locations in Manhattan. Protesters chanted “We’re going to get you,” outside of the Loews Regency New York Hotel, where protesters believed Netanyahu was staying, The New York Post reported.
There were several scuffles, with police seen in footage captured by The Blaze national correspondent Julio Rosas.
Big scuffles are happening as NYPD officers continue to arrest anti-Israel protesters. Very chaotic moment. pic.twitter.com/1R7byXvJJE
— Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) September 27, 2024
In one tense moment, police are seen surrounded by protesters who are screaming as their comrade is brought away in cuffs.
NYPD officers are surrounded by anti-Israel protesters while making an arrest. A lot of shoving. pic.twitter.com/hiAaLAJTMs
— Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) September 27, 2024
Outside the Metropolitan Museum of Art, police were seen shoving the anti-Israel protesters away from the steps.
Scuffle breaks out as NYPD officers shove anti-Israel protesters away from the steps of the Met. pic.twitter.com/PTpqHG2m59
— Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) September 27, 2024
In another video, a protester was seen holding a sign in support of Hezbollah, a U.S.-designated terrorist group based in Lebanon.
Anti-Israel protesters near the UN are showing their support for Hezbollah as Prime Minister Netanyahu visits NYC. pic.twitter.com/VEJnLERutZ
— Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) September 26, 2024
Netanyahu’s speech comes as the Israeli Defense Forces press forward with the newly launched “Operation Northern Arrows” against Hezbollah. The offensive’s goal is to make northern Israel safe enough for 60,000 Israelis to return to their homes after being displaced for 11 months following near-daily rocket attacks from Hezbollah on their communities.
The Biden administration has been pushing for a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. While Netanyahu’s office has acknowledged and thanked American efforts, it has pressed forward with its operation.
“Our teams met to discuss the U.S. initiative and how we can advance the shared goal of returning people safely to their homes,” Netanyahu’s office said in a statement about the proposal. “We will continue those discussions in the coming days.”
On Thursday, Israel announced it had secured an $8.7 billion U.S. aid package to support its ongoing military efforts, including $3.5 billion for essential wartime procurement and $5.2 billion for its air defense systems.
Protests also erupted outside of Netanyahu’s Congressional address in July, with rioters breaking into his hotel to release bugs and burning the American flag.
