Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, delivering a forceful defence of Israel’s military actions in Gaza and the occupied West Bank while branding international critics as "moral cowards." His remarks prompted a mass walkout by delegates and sparked large‑scale protests outside the UN headquarters in New York.
Speech and Walkout
In a speech that lasted more than twenty minutes, Netanyahu rejected allegations that Israel was committing genocide in Gaza, calling such claims "the biggest lie of the century," as reported by France 24. He accused Iran of planning a regional war, singled out Qatar and Turkey for alleged support of Hamas, and dismissed settler‑related violence in the West Bank as the work of "juvenile delinquents," according to Al Jazeera.
The prime minister also targeted New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, whom he described as an "antisemitic mayor" and accused of spreading "baseless lies," a characterization echoed by The New York Times. Mamdani, a vocal critic of Israel’s policies, had previously called for Netanyahu’s arrest.
At the start of the address, a sizable contingent of diplomats left the chamber. Reuters and the BBC both noted that "dozens" of delegates walked out, while Le Monde and The Guardian used similar phrasing. The exact number was not uniformly reported, but the walkout was described as one of the most pronounced in recent UN sessions.
"You are moral cowards," Netanyahu told the assembly, adding, "You cannot silence me."
Street Protests and Arrests
Simultaneously, protestors gathered outside the UN building, with Al Jazeera estimating more than 100 arrests. Demonstrators, many affiliated with the Jewish Voice for Peace, demanded accountability for alleged war crimes. Among those detained were Oscar‑winning actress Susan Sarandon and comedian Hannah Einbinder, as detailed by The Guardian and Al Jazeera.
Police reports indicated that demonstrators blocked streets and attempted to march toward the UN headquarters. The New York Times highlighted that the protests were part of a broader wave of activism surrounding Netanyahu’s visit, which has been described as the most contentious UN appearance by an Israeli leader in years.
Legal and Political Context
Netanyahu’s presence at the UN came despite an outstanding International Criminal Court arrest warrant, a point noted by Al Jazeera in its coverage of the "contrasting treatment" of Israel and Palestine at the assembly. Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten, cited by Al Jazeera, defended the Israeli leader’s right to speak, drawing a comparison to the treatment of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who also faces an ICC warrant.
The speech occurred weeks before Israel’s national elections, a timing emphasized by The Washington Post, which described the address as an appeal to domestic voters. Netanyahu framed the criticism of Israel as part of a broader anti‑Israeli campaign, positioning himself as a defender of national security ahead of the ballot.
International reactions were mixed. While some countries’ representatives left the hall, others, including the United States delegation, remained seated. The United Nations Secretary‑General’s office did not issue a formal statement on the walkout, but the incident underscored growing diplomatic friction over the Gaza conflict.
Netanyahu’s remarks and the ensuing walkout highlight the deepening divide within the UN over Israel’s conduct in the Palestinian territories, the legal challenges facing the Israeli leader, and the heightened political stakes of the upcoming Israeli elections.
