Dozens of delegates stormed out of the United Nations General Assembly chamber in New York on Thursday as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu started his address to the 81st session of the General Assembly.
As Netanyahu neared the platform, officials of numerous countries left, with the Israeli prime minister facing sharp condemnation internationally over Israel’s military operations in Gaza and its wider regional actions.
Video from inside the chamber showed groups Israeli delegates rising from their seats and streaming out as Netanyahu began to speak. The walkout drew jeers and boos from portions of the chamber, while others in the gallery clapped and screamed pro-Israel slogans.
The Palestinian Mission to the United Nations called on delegations to make a joint exit upon introducing Netanyahu. According to the Irish Times, the message called on UN missions to demonstrate their displeasure over Israel’s practices.
Netanyahu went on speaking despite the interruption. He denounced the delegates who had departed as “moral cowards” and told those who stayed that Israel will continue to defend itself.
He also supported Israel’s military efforts, saying Israel’s operations were to safeguard the country from dangers in the region. According to accounts from the speech, Netanyahu stated Israel’s decision to attack Iran had been one of the easiest decisions he had taken.
The talk also allowed the Israeli prime minister to reply to criticism from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has accused Netanyahu of war crimes and called Israel’s conduct in Gaza “genocide.” Netanyahu denied the charges and defended Israel’s conduct.
The walkout underscored the ongoing diplomatic rifts over the Gaza conflict. It also took place against the backdrop of rising worldwide discussion over Palestinian statehood, the conduct of Israel’s military campaign and the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly has convened members of the organization’s 193 member nations to discuss significant international concerns. The UN’s official schedule mentions the meeting on September 24 as part of the continuing general debate.
But Netanyahu proceeded with his speech, a sign that the Israeli government wants to continue making its case on the Gaza conflict and broader regional security challenges on the world stage despite the huge walkout.
The theatrics within the General Assembly chamber highlighted the significant differences among states over Israel’s actions and the continued conflict in Gaza.
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