Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu denounced a mass walkout of delegates as “moral cowards” during his address to the United Nations General Assembly, where dozens of envoys emptied the hall in protest. As Netanyahu took the podium, scores of diplomats walked out, leaving a majority of seats empty while General Assembly President Khalilur Rahman repeatedly called for order in the room.
Diplomatic Walkout and Assembly Clash
The coordinated protest was organized ahead of time, with the Palestinian Mission to the UN urging member nations to bring staff and collectively walk out to signal opposition to the war in Gaza. When Netanyahu stepped up to speak, a mix of cheers, boos, and departures swept the room. “If there are any other moral cowards who have not yet left the hall, please do so now,” Netanyahu told the remaining audience, according to the Associated Press. General Assembly President Khalilur Rahman repeatedly attempted to restore order by calling out, “Order in the hall, please.” Amid the departures, Ireland maintained a presence, with a Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson confirming that the country remained represented during all national statements, even when delivered by governments with which Dublin vehemently disagrees.
Visual Aids and Regional Security Claims
During his address, Netanyahu defended military actions against Iran and militant groups, claiming that many regional leaders quietly support Israel’s campaign. “In defending itself, Israel is also defending many of the countries whose delegates just left this hall,” Netanyahu said, adding that “many of their leaders even thank us privately for taking out Iran’s nukes.” Known for using visual aids in past speeches, the prime minister held up a pager to remind the assembly of the September 17, 2024 attacks that remotely detonated thousands of devices distributed to Hezbollah in Lebanon, an operation that killed 12 people and wounded more than 3,000. He also contrasted the scale of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack—which killed about 1,200 people—with U.S. metrics, stating it equaled 40,000 Americans slaughtered in less than 24 hours.
Abbas Counters From Ramallah
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the assembly earlier via pre-recorded remarks from his office in Ramallah after the United States denied visas to top Palestinian officials for the second year in a row. The 90-year-old leader asserted that Palestinians would not accept displacement or abandonment of their homeland. “How long will some countries continue to remain silent about Israel, or continue supplying it with weapons that it uses against our people?” Abbas asked, urging tangible international action. Meanwhile, the Gaza Health Ministry reports that at least 73,922 Palestinians have been killed during Israel’s military offensive following the October 2023 attacks, while Israel continues to reject allegations of genocide, war crimes, and illegal occupation.
Did you know? The United Nations General Assembly features 193 member states.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did delegates walk out of Netanyahu’s UN speech?
Dozens of envoys walked out in response to a call from the Palestinian Mission to the UN, which urged member states to protest Israel’s military actions, occupation, and war crimes allegations in Gaza and the West Bank.
What visual aid did Netanyahu use during his address?
Netanyahu held up a pager to reference the September 2024 remote detonations targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Why did Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas address the UN via video?
Abbas delivered pre-recorded remarks from Ramallah after the United States denied visas to him and other top Palestinian officials for the gathering.
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