Dozens of diplomats and foreign delegates walked out of the United Nations General Assembly chamber in New York as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began his address on September 24, amid continuing international criticism of Israel's military actions in the Middle East.
The walkout was accompanied by protests and chants inside the chamber, while demonstrations were also reported outside the United Nations. The departure of delegates created a visible disruption as Netanyahu took the podium to deliver his speech, reported Fox News.
ALSO READ: 'You Tried To Silence Me...': Netanyahu Attacks Mamdani, Says 'Many Jews' Feel Unsafe In NYC City
Also Read | Layoffs Are Rising In Tech, But These Skills Are Helping People Unlock Better Pay
Netanyahu responded sharply to those who left, describing them as “moral cowards” and telling other delegates that they were free to leave as well. He used the address to defend Israel's military campaign, arguing that the country was acting in self-defense and reaffirming that Israel would continue its military operations until what he described as “full victory” against its adversaries, as per the Bloomberg.
Netanyahu also defended Israel's strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities, "it was very hard to do, but for me, it was one of the easiest decisions I've ever had to make as prime minister. Because if we hadn't done it, we'd all be dead."
Delegates at the UN General Assembly in New York walk out as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives to deliver a speech. He responds by calling them "moral cowards". https://t.co/PAiZ4D1jU3 ???? Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube https://t.co/M0rn4B4mgs
— Sky News (@SkyNews) September 24, 2026
'Where were you when the Iranian tyrants butchered and maimed tens of thousands of unarmed Iranian civilians? When they butchered and maimed thousands of their own people? Where were you? Did you organize mass rallies, hunger strikes?"
He added, quoted by Fox News, "Did you protest outside the Iranian mission to the UN? Did you speak out for that matter, for Christians persecuted in Iran and throughout the Middle East?' No, no, you didn't, because you're phony human rights protesters."
ALSO READ: 'Shame On You, Mamdani': Netanyahu Vows To Expose New York Mayor At UN General Assembly
The Israeli prime minister also praised US President Donald Trump for American military action against Iran. During the speech, he criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and political commentator Hasan Piker, broadening his remarks beyond the immediate conflict.
Essential Business Intelligence, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice, Daily Fuel, Gold and Silver Prices and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.
