Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced a major diplomatic walkout at the United Nations on Thursday as delegates left the General Assembly chamber when he began his address.
The Israeli leader used the speech to defend his government’s military actions in Gaza, Iran and other parts of the Middle East.
Netanyahu also rejected allegations that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza and criticized governments, international figures and political leaders who have condemned Israel.
Reports indicated that representatives from dozens of countries left the hall during the speech. One report put the number at 77 countries.
‘We’re going to win’
Netanyahu remained defiant despite the walkout.
Addressing those who had left, he said:
“If there are any other moral cowards who haven’t left the hall, please do so now.”
He later declared that Israel would continue its military campaign.
“We’re going to win. We have no other choice,” he said.
The speech focused heavily on Israel’s security concerns and its confrontation with Iran and Hamas.
Netanyahu described Israel as fighting on multiple fronts, including Gaza, Iran, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and other regional areas.
Palestinian leader condemns Israeli actions
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas had earlier addressed the UN through a prerecorded video.
Abbas accused Israel of killing, destruction, starvation and attempts to displace Palestinians in Gaza.
He also warned that Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank threatens the possibility of a two-state solution.
His appearance by video followed the denial of a US visa that prevented him from attending the UN gathering in person.
Netanyahu clashes with Erdogan and Mamdani
Netanyahu used parts of his speech to criticize Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
He accused Erdogan of supporting Hamas, while Erdogan has repeatedly criticized Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and called for international pressure over the conflict.
Mamdani also responded to Netanyahu’s remarks.
The New York mayor’s office said Netanyahu had used the speech to repeat what it described as baseless claims concerning Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Netanyahu thanks Trump
The Israeli prime minister reserved praise for US President Donald Trump, whom he described as a major partner in Israel’s regional military efforts.
Netanyahu specifically referred to US-Israeli operations against Iran and credited Trump’s administration with supporting Israel.
The remarks highlighted the close relationship between Washington and Jerusalem as international criticism of Israel continues.
Election adds political backdrop
Netanyahu’s UN appearance came only weeks before Israel’s October 27 election.
His speech therefore carried both an international and domestic political dimension, with Netanyahu defending his government’s security policies while confronting criticism from foreign governments and political opponents.
The UN address also came against the backdrop of continuing legal controversy. The International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant alleges war crimes and crimes against humanity, allegations Netanyahu rejects.
The dramatic walkout at the General Assembly reflected the continuing international disagreement over Israel’s conduct in Gaza and its broader military actions in the Middle East.
