Occupied territory: Netanyahu visits NYC bathroom with 20 bodyguards

Heavy security detail accompanies Israel's premier to the lavatory for a privy meeting of sorts.

2 min read

Taufiq Wan

23 Sep, 2016

Bibi's huge security detail inconvenienced many who were out on New York's 5th Ave [AFP]

Travellers bursting for the bathroom at New York's Sherry-Netherland Hotel would have found the restroom fully occupied on Tuesday night, as Israeli PM Binyamin Netanyahu answered the call of nature - accompanied by 20 bodyguards.

The elaborate evacuation occured while the Israeli premier was out for dinner with his wife Sara at a swanky restaurant in the Big Apple.

"Around 20 security guards got up with Bibi and a few went into the bathroom with him. One watched the door, and the rest lined up with their arms up to form a human barricade, so nobody could enter the bathroom or even get close," a bystander told the New York Post.

"He must be the most protected man in the world right now".

This show of force came after diners at the Harry Cipriani restaurant witnessed around 20 security agents sniff out the premises prior to Bibi's arrival.

The Israeli leader later arrived with another 20 agents, making for an entourage that took up much of the eatery's 100 seats.

As the PM and his entourage settled in to the establishment, numerous other security agents swarmed around the vicinity to ensure the meal was a peaceful process.

This was much to the annoyance of some locals, who complained of the massive security ring that was positioned around the hotel.

"In order to get to the restaurant, you had to walk around the block to a barricaded area, which was manned by security and attack dogs," said a source.

"Guests were patted down and had to go through metal detectors. He must be the most protected man in the world right now," the source added.

Having taken up half the space in the restaurant and the toilets, while also inconveniencing those in the area, the Israeli leader had unwittingly brought a taste of the West Bank to New York.

Thankfully for those on New York's Fifth Avenue, this occupation didn't last too long.