UNGA: Delegates Walk Out As Netanyahu Defends Israel’s Military Campaigns

Dozens of delegates walked out of the United Nations General Assembly hall in New York as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began his address, during which he defended Israel’s military campaigns in Gaza, Iran and elsewhere in the Middle East.

Netanyahu, who faced protests inside and outside the UN headquarters, told the assembly that Israel would continue fighting, saying, “We’re going to win. We have no other choice.”

As delegates left the hall, the Israeli leader challenged those remaining to follow them.

“If there are any other moral cowards who haven’t left the hall, please do so now,” he said.

The walkout was reportedly encouraged by the Palestinian Mission to the UN, although there was no officially confirmed list of all countries whose delegates left.

Photographs from the venue showed empty seats assigned to representatives from Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tunisia, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Algeria, Iran, Malaysia, Montenegro and Kyrgyzstan, among others.

Jordan, Libya, the Marshall Islands and Mauritius were also reported to have empty seats.

However, reports noted that some countries had at least one representative remaining in the hall, making it difficult to establish a definitive country-by-country list of those who walked out.

Netanyahu also rejected accusations that Israel was committing genocide in Gaza.

“Israel didn’t commit genocide. Israel prevented genocide,” he said.

His comments came hours after Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the General Assembly through a video link after being denied a US entry visa.

Abbas accused Israel of subjecting Palestinians to “killing, destruction, starvation and attempts at displacement, as well as a genocidal war” in Gaza.

He also criticised the expansion of Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, saying Israeli policies threatened the existence of Palestinians on their homeland and jeopardised the internationally backed two-state solution.

Netanyahu used his speech to attack several countries and political leaders who have criticised Israel.

He described Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as a “tyrant” and accused him of supporting Hamas.

Erdogan had told the UN earlier in the week that the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank “deeply offends the conscience of humanity.”

Responding to Netanyahu, Turkish presidential communications director Burhanettin Duran said the Israeli leader’s use of the UN podium to make what he described as “baseless accusations” against Turkey and Erdogan was inconsistent with the organisation’s ideals of peace, law and dialogue, according to Turkish state-run news agency Anadolu.

Netanyahu also criticised New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has been critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank.

“Since you were elected mayor of this city, many Jews no longer feel safe in New York,” Netanyahu said.

Mamdani’s office responded by accusing Netanyahu of using his speech to repeat what it described as “baseless lies” about Israel’s conduct in Gaza.

Netanyahu also praised US President Donald Trump for what he called his “bold leadership,” referring to the joint US-Israeli military action against Iran.

“Israel and America acted together not only to protect ourselves, but to save civilisation,” he said.

The speech came as Netanyahu faces a crucial election at home and growing international criticism of Israel’s military operations.

The BBC reported that Netanyahu’s remarks appeared directed at both Israeli voters and American audiences, with references to the conflict with Iran, US-Israeli military cooperation and his relationship with Trump.

Meanwhile, several protesters were detained by police in New York during demonstrations against Netanyahu’s visit.

Those detained included Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon, actress Hannah Einbinder, Democratic congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier and New York City council member Chi Osse.

A spokesperson for the New York Police Department said officers responded to an “unscheduled demonstration” after protesters blocked a junction.

The Israeli military launched its ground offensive in Gaza following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage.

According to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, more than 73,920 people have been killed in the Israeli military campaign.

Israel has repeatedly denied allegations that its actions in Gaza amount to genocide, saying its military operations are aimed at defending the country.

The conflict has continued to generate international divisions, with growing criticism of Israel alongside continued diplomatic and military support from the United States.