Dozens of delegates walk out as Netanyahu addresses UN
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced a mass walkout at the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday as dozens of delegates left the chamber when he took the podium.
Netanyahu used his address to defend Israel’s military actions, reject allegations of genocide in Gaza and warn that Iran’s government would eventually fall. He also criticised international opponents, including New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, and thanked US President Donald Trump for his support.
Delegates leave as Netanyahu begins speech
A stream of delegates walked out of the General Assembly hall as Netanyahu arrived to speak. Images from the chamber showed large sections of seats empty, including the Palestinian delegation’s seats. Iran’s delegation also left, with a photograph of former Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani placed at its desk.
Netanyahu responded to the walkout by calling the departing delegates “moral cowards”.
The Palestinian Mission to the UN had called for a collective walkout when Netanyahu was introduced.
Netanyahu defends Israel, warns Iran
Netanyahu strongly defended Israel’s actions in the region, including its military campaign in Gaza and strikes against Iran.
Addressing Iranians directly, he predicted political change in Iran and said the country’s government would eventually fall.
He also described his decision to strike Iranian nuclear facilities as one of the easiest decisions he had made, according to AP.
Netanyahu said Israel was fighting on seven fronts: Gaza, the West Bank, Syria, Lebanon, Iran, Yemen’s Houthi movement and Iran-backed militias in Iraq.
He rejected accusations that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza, describing such allegations as false and saying Israel had acted to prevent genocide.
Attack on Mamdani and criticism of Western countries
Netanyahu also directed criticism at Mamdani, who has accused the Israeli prime minister of war crimes and Israel of genocide in Gaza.
“You can’t silence me. You can’t silence the truth,” Netanyahu said while addressing the New York mayor.
He also criticised European governments over their positions on Israel and accused Qatar and Turkey of spreading falsehoods about Israel, according to reports.
Netanyahu praised Trump for his support and described the US-Israeli military action against Iran as a partnership.
Speech comes ahead of Israeli election
Netanyahu’s UN appearance came as he faces growing international criticism over Israel’s conduct in Gaza and prepares for Israel’s October 27 election.
Reuters reported that the prime minister was using the UN appearance to defend Israel’s actions and counter international isolation while campaigning for re-election. His visit to New York was also unusually brief.
Protests outside UN headquarters
Protests were held outside the UN headquarters ahead of Netanyahu’s address. Reuters reported that police arrested at least 30 people during demonstrations against his visit.
The protests were part of broader demonstrations criticising Israel’s military campaign and US support for Israel.
ICC warrant remains in focus
Netanyahu’s UN appearance also comes amid the continuing dispute over an International Criminal Court arrest warrant issued against him in November 2024.
The ICC alleges that Netanyahu is responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to the Gaza conflict, including starvation as a method of warfare and attacks directed against civilians. Netanyahu and Israel reject the allegations and dispute the court’s case.
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