Dozens of representatives left the General Assembly chamber as Netanyahu approached the podium on Thursday, leaving large sections of the hall visibly empty…reports Arab Daily News Desk
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced a mass walkout by delegates at the United Nations General Assembly as he defended Israel’s military campaigns in Gaza, Iran and across the Middle East.
Dozens of representatives left the General Assembly chamber as Netanyahu approached the podium on Thursday, leaving large sections of the hall visibly empty. The walkout came amid growing international criticism of Israel’s conduct of the war in Gaza and its military action against Iran.
Netanyahu responded by accusing those who left of cowardice.
“If there are any other moral cowards who haven’t left the hall, please do so now,” he said.
Among the delegations whose seats were reported to be empty were Saudi Arabia, Iran, Sudan, Tunisia, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Algeria, Malaysia, Montenegro and Kyrgyzstan. Jordan, Libya, Mauritius and the Marshall Islands were also reported to have empty seats, although some countries retained individual representatives in the chamber.
The walkout was part of wider protests against Netanyahu’s visit to New York. Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the UN, including Jewish and Muslim activists, Palestinian supporters, human rights campaigners and progressive groups.
New York police arrested more than 100 protesters during demonstrations near the UN, with the largest direct action organised by Jewish Voice for Peace. Reuters reported that at least 30 people were arrested during an initial protest, while police later said more than 100 had been detained.
Inside the chamber, Netanyahu presented Israel as fighting on multiple fronts against Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, Iran and armed groups in Iraq and Syria, as well as Palestinian militants in the West Bank.
He strongly defended Israel’s military campaign against Iran, saying Israel and the United States had acted together to protect themselves and the wider world. He praised US President Donald Trump as Israel’s strongest partner during the confrontation.
Netanyahu also rejected allegations that Israel was committing genocide in Gaza, calling the accusation “the greatest lie of the century”. He argued that Israel had taken steps to provide humanitarian assistance, including food and vaccinations.
The Israeli government has repeatedly denied genocide allegations and says its military operations are directed against Hamas. Gaza health authorities cited by Reuters have reported more than 73,000 Palestinian deaths since the conflict began in October 2023, although the figures do not distinguish consistently between combatants and civilians.
Palestine’s President Mahmoud Abbas, who spoke before Netanyahu, had accused Israel of conducting a “genocidal war” in Gaza. “Accusing Israel of genocide is the greatest lie of the century”, he said and asked rhetorically if it was a “genocidal regime”, would it have given a million polio vaccinations to the enemy’s population or enabled the distribution of two million tons of food in Gaza.
Netanyahu also used the speech to attack New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, accusing him of spreading what he described as antisemitic claims against Israel.
Mamdani, who did not join the street demonstrations, later rejected Netanyahu’s accusations and referred to the International Criminal Court arrest warrant issued against the Israeli prime minister over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. Netanyahu rejects the allegations.
The mayor had earlier planted an olive tree at Gracie Mansion with Palestinian families from Gaza, a gesture that Netanyahu referenced during his address.
Netanyahu also criticised Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Western governments that have taken measures against Israel, accusing them of failing to defend the country.
The Israeli prime minister’s speech came as the UN General Assembly faced a series of competing calls over Gaza, Iran and wider regional security.
His brief visit to New York was marked by heavy security, street protests and the diplomatic walkout inside the chamber, creating a highly visible confrontation between Israel and its international critics.
