Dozens of delegates left the United Nations General Assembly chamber on Thursday as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began addressing world leaders, turning his appearance into a highly charged diplomatic moment.
The walkout took place at the opening of Netanyahu’s address at the 81st UN General Assembly in New York. Representatives from several countries were seen leaving their seats as the Israeli leader approached the podium.
The Palestinian mission had reportedly encouraged other delegations to join the protest, amid continuing international criticism of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
Netanyahu responds to departing delegates
Netanyahu continued with his speech despite the departures and directly addressed those leaving the chamber.
He referred to the departing representatives as “moral cowards” and told anyone else who intended to leave that they could do so.
The Israeli delegation remained in the chamber and showed support for the prime minister as he continued his address.
Images from the session showed large sections of the General Assembly hall becoming empty shortly after Netanyahu took the podium.
The scene reflected the deep divisions surrounding Israel’s policies and military operations, particularly over the war in Gaza and the wider Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Netanyahu defends Israel at UN
During his address, Netanyahu mounted a defence of Israel’s actions and rejected international criticism of the country’s military campaign.
He also spoke about Israel’s confrontation with Iran and argued that his country was acting to protect itself from security threats.
Israel has consistently rejected allegations that its military operations in Gaza constitute genocide or deliberate attacks on civilians, saying its campaign is directed against Hamas.
The UN appearance therefore provided Netanyahu with an international platform to present Israel’s position at a time when the country faces strong criticism from governments and organisations around the world.
Gaza war remains central to international criticism
The walkout came against the background of the prolonged war in Gaza, which has generated intense diplomatic and political pressure on Israel.
The conflict began after the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, which killed about 1,200 people and saw more than 250 others taken hostage, according to Israeli authorities. Israel subsequently launched a military campaign in Gaza.
Gaza health authorities have reported tens of thousands of Palestinian deaths since the conflict began. Israel disputes allegations of genocide and maintains that its military operations are aimed at Hamas fighters.
The war has also contributed to growing disagreements between Israel and several governments that have criticised its conduct of military operations and its policies toward the Palestinians.
Protests continue outside UN headquarters
The tension surrounding Netanyahu’s visit was not limited to the General Assembly chamber.
Demonstrators gathered outside the UN headquarters in New York before and during his appearance, protesting against the Israeli government’s policies and the war in Gaza.
New York police arrested at least 30 people during demonstrations, including actors and politicians, according to Reuters. Those detained included Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon, actor Hannah Einbinder and New York City Council member Chi Osse.
The protests added to the highly contentious atmosphere surrounding Netanyahu’s visit to the United Nations.
International divisions remain visible
The walkout highlighted the divisions among UN member states over Israel’s conduct in the Middle East.
While several delegations chose to leave, others remained in the chamber for Netanyahu’s speech. The Israeli delegation and its supporters continued to listen as the prime minister presented his government’s position.
The episode also demonstrated how the Gaza conflict continues to dominate diplomatic discussions surrounding Israel more than two years after the war began.
Netanyahu’s appearance came as his government faces pressure over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, negotiations surrounding the conflict and international criticism of Israeli military operations.
Netanyahu continues despite walkout
Despite the dramatic departure of delegates, Netanyahu completed his address and continued to defend Israel’s position before the international audience.
The Israeli prime minister’s UN appearance was therefore marked by two contrasting images: representatives leaving the chamber in protest and Netanyahu proceeding with his speech to those who remained.
The walkout is likely to remain one of the most visible moments of this year’s UN General Assembly, reflecting the depth of disagreement surrounding Israel, Gaza and the broader Middle East conflict.
