Who Are The Men Climbing Out Of A Manhole Near Netanyahu's NYC Hotel?

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A bizarre security mystery unfolded in Manhattan this week after three men were seen climbing out of a manhole just blocks from the hotel where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was staying during his visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly.

The unusual sighting caught the attention of police because of its proximity to a location associated with a high-profile world leader. Netanyahu was in New York delivering his address to the United Nations as authorities investigated the late-night sewer activity.

But investigators have not indicated that the men were targeting Netanyahu or that the incident was connected to terrorism.

NYPD Investigates the Sewer Sighting

The NYPD launched an investigation after the men were spotted emerging from the underground sewer system.

According to Inside Edition, police believe the individuals may be part of a group sometimes referred to as “mole men” — people who enter New York's extensive network of underground tunnels in search of lost valuables, scrap metal or other items.

The term isn't an official designation. It has become a colorful nickname for people repeatedly caught entering and exiting the city's sewer system.

It's Not the First Time

The latest incident is part of a much larger pattern.

Earlier this year, people were captured on video entering and leaving manholes in Queens and Brooklyn. Some were wearing hip waders and carrying flashlights or headlamps as they descended underground.

In one May incident, three people were filmed entering a Queens manhole in the early morning hours. Other groups were later spotted doing the same thing in Brooklyn.

The sightings prompted speculation that some of those entering the sewer system were searching for valuables. Police have previously encountered people entering the tunnels in attempts to find items such as jewelry or other potentially valuable objects.

Why Would Anyone Go Into the Sewers?

New York City's underground network is enormous, with thousands of miles of sewer pipes and thousands of manholes providing access.

Some people who explore underground spaces describe themselves as urban explorers. Others may be scavenging for valuables.

But city officials have repeatedly warned that entering the sewer system without authorization is both illegal and extremely dangerous. The New York City Department of Environmental Protection has previously inspected locations where people were spotted and said the city's infrastructure remained safe.

Inside Edition security expert Dave Sarni also demonstrated how access to underground infrastructure can present security concerns, particularly when people enter areas close to sensitive locations.

No Evidence of a Threat to Netanyahu

Despite the timing and location, there is currently no evidence publicly establishing that the men were connected to Netanyahu, the United Nations or any planned attack.

The NYPD has previously said there was no known threat to public safety connected to the broader series of sewer sightings, while continuing to investigate the activity.

The unusual location simply became more concerning because the latest sighting occurred close to a hotel associated with a visiting head of government during one of the city's busiest security periods.

A Strange New York Mystery Continues

For now, the identities and exact motives of the three men remain unclear.

Their appearance adds another chapter to the strange “mole men” mystery that has fascinated New Yorkers throughout 2026. While authorities continue investigating, the evidence available so far points toward an unusual underground scavenging or exploration phenomenon rather than an established connection to Netanyahu.

For a city accustomed to seeing almost everything above ground, the latest mystery is a reminder that plenty can still be happening beneath the streets.

Source: Inside Edition