Israel's New York consulate closed after threat against PM, white powder found
The building has been evacuated
Israel's diplomatic mission in New York was closed after an envelope containing white powder and a threat against prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu was discovered, Israeli media reported Friday.
An i24NEWS correspondent on the scene said that after staff were initially ordered to remain inside the consulate, they were subsequently evacuated and no-one else has been allowed into the building.
The mission is located on Second Avenue in Manhattan, just minutes walk from the United Nations headquarters.
A hefty security presence was on the scene, including New York police and private security guards.
Just hours after the incident unfolded at the consulate, Netanyahu touched down in New York City, according to reporters travelling with him.
Israel's Channel Two reported that the suspect material was being inspected, without citing a source for the information.
The threat letter was reportedly written in English.
Netanyahu was expected to land in New York later on Friday, ahead of a week of meetings at the United Nations General Assembly and with US President Donald Trump.
This is a developing story.
i24NEWS correspondent Tal Heinrich contributed reporting from New York.