Delegates from multiple countries walked out of the United Nations General Assembly hall as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began his speech on Thursday, September 24, 2026. The walkout occurred shortly after he took the podium, with dozens of representatives leaving the chamber in protest. The Israeli leader, known for his strong stance on regional conflicts, faced significant backlash during his address.
Netanyahu defended Israel’s military actions in the Middle East, including operations in Gaza and against Iran, during his speech. He described the protesters as “moral cowards,” a remark that intensified the tension in the hall. Meanwhile, international leaders expressed mixed reactions. Some, like New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, rejected Netanyahu’s claims that falsehoods could invalidate an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant.
The walkout left large sections of the General Assembly hall empty, highlighting the deep divisions over Israel’s policies. Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten called for Netanyahu’s presence at the UNGA despite the ICC warrant. As the debate continues, the incident underscores the growing international scrutiny of Israel’s actions and the political tensions surrounding its leadership.
