Netanyahu faces UN walkout as Sarandon, Einbinder are detained in NYC protest

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held up a Starlink device while addressing the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 24, 2026, criticising Britain and France for recognising Palestine and accusing them of inventing the term colonialism. Dozens of envoys walked out as he spoke. Outside the UN headquarters, police detained Hollywood star Susan Sarandon and 'Hacks' actress Hannah Einbinder during a protest organised by Jewish Voice for Peace, where demonstrators sat-in with banners reading 'Stop Arming Israel' and 'End the Genocide'. The New York Police Department gave no immediate comment on the detentions. Sarandon later told journalists she continues to lose work because of her outspoken views on Israel's war in Gaza, saying there is still strong opposition within her industry.

This matters to Nigerians because the country's large Christian and Muslim communities hold diverse opinions on the Israel-Palestine conflict, and global protests like these often shape domestic debates on foreign policy and activism. The incident also shows how celebrity advocacy can attract professional repercussions, relevant for Nigerians in entertainment or civil society who speak on polarising issues.

With international criticism of Israel's actions growing and diplomatic walkouts becoming more common, how should Nigeria balance its foreign policy ties with Israel against domestic public opinion and activism?

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/09/24/hollywood-stars-others-arrested-in-ny-anti-netanyahu-protest/