Dozens of United Nations delegates walked out of the General Assembly hall on Thursday as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took the podium to deliver his address, in a visible protest against Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
Netanyahu responded by calling those who left “moral cowards,” while members of the Israeli delegation and supporters in the gallery stood and applauded him.
The Israeli prime minister used his speech to defend Israel’s military actions in Gaza and its wider regional operations, while rejecting allegations that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians.
Netanyahu described the genocide allegations as “the greatest lie of the century” and argued that Israel had taken measures to protect Palestinian civilians. He also accused Hamas of operating among civilians and using them as human shields.
Netanyahu further defended the joint U.S.-Israeli military action against Iran, saying Israel’s strikes were necessary to prevent what he described as a major threat.
“If we hadn’t done it, we’d all be dead,” Netanyahu said, referring to the military campaign against Iran.
Netanyahu attacks critics
During the address, Netanyahu also criticized several governments and political figures over their positions on Israel.
He accused Turkey of spreading what he called “anti-Semitic lies” and alleged that foreign governments had spent large sums promoting what he described as false narratives about Israel through social media.
He also directly addressed New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has described Netanyahu as a war criminal and criticized Israel’s conduct in Gaza.
“You tried to silence me. Well, you can’t silence me. You can’t silence the truth,” Netanyahu said.
Netanyahu also criticized Western European leaders, accusing them of giving in to what he described as anti-Semitic pressure, while directing further criticism at Qatar and Turkey.
The walkout came amid growing international criticism of Israel over its conduct of the Gaza war and broader tensions surrounding the conflict in the Middle East.
ICC warrant remains a major issue
Netanyahu also faces an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. The Israeli government rejects the allegations and has disputed the court’s jurisdiction.
The UN appearance comes as Netanyahu also faces domestic political pressure in Israel, with the country preparing for parliamentary elections scheduled for October 27.
His address highlighted the increasingly contentious diplomatic environment surrounding Israel as the Gaza conflict continues to shape debates at the United Nations and beyond.
