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Dozens of UN delegates walked out as Netanyahu began speaking Thursday. The Israeli leader then condemned the departing officials.
UNITED NATIONS — Dozens of delegates walked out of the United Nations General Assembly chamber Thursday as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began addressing world leaders, creating a highly visible protest at the start of his speech. The departures came as Israel faces continued international criticism over its military campaign in Gaza and its treatment of Palestinians.
The walkout began as Netanyahu reached the podium, with delegates streaming from the chamber and leaving large numbers of empty seats behind. Reuters reported that Palestinian delegates were among those who left, while footage showed representatives from other countries also departing. The demonstration delayed the start of Netanyahu’s remarks by several minutes.
Netanyahu responded by calling those who left “moral cowards” and invited anyone else who objected to his presence or Israel’s policies to leave. He then used much of his address to defend Israel’s conduct, reject allegations of genocide in Gaza and criticize international figures who have condemned his government.
The Israeli prime minister also singled out New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has accused Netanyahu of responsibility for what he describes as genocide in Gaza. Netanyahu denounced what he characterized as false allegations against Israel and its soldiers, while praising U.S. President Donald Trump and defending Israel’s military actions against Iran and other regional adversaries.
The walkout reflected the broader divisions surrounding Israel at this year’s General Assembly. European governments have increased criticism of Israel over the Gaza war and Israeli settler violence in the occupied West Bank, while Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the assembly by video after being denied a U.S. visa to attend in person.
Protests also took place outside the United Nations as Netanyahu delivered his speech. Reuters reported that New York police arrested at least 30 people during demonstrations, including actors and politicians protesting Israel’s military campaign and U.S. support for Israel.
Sources: Reuters, ABC News Australia, Al Jazeera and BBC, with additional reporting and visual verification from Reuters coverage of the General Assembly walkout.