Dozens of diplomats walked out of the United Nations General Assembly hall in New York on Thursday, September 24, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began his address during the 81st UN General Assembly.The walkout came amid growing international criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza and its policies in the occupied West Bank. Netanyahu responded by calling the departing delegates “moral cowards” and continued with a defence of Israel’s actions in the region.Key HighlightsDozens of delegates walked out as Netanyahu began his UNGA speech.Netanyahu called the departing delegates “moral cowards.”He defended Israel’s military actions against Iran and Hamas.Netanyahu claimed some leaders privately thanked Israel for targeting Iran’s nuclear capabilities.He displayed a pager while referring to Israel’s operation against Hezbollah.His speech came amid international criticism over Gaza and the West Bank.Delegates Walk Out During Netanyahu UN SpeechAs Netanyahu approached the podium, representatives from several countries left the General Assembly hall. The Palestinian Mission to the UN had previously urged member states to participate in a collective walkout when Netanyahu began speaking.The hall saw a mixture of protests, applause and chants from supporters of the Israeli delegation. UN General Assembly President Khalilur Rahman repeatedly called for order.Netanyahu addressed those leaving directly, saying that those who remained should also leave if they considered themselves “moral cowards.” The remark became one of the most widely reported moments of the Netanyahu UN speech.Netanyahu Defends Israel’s Iran OperationsA major part of Netanyahu’s address focused on Iran and Israel’s military actions against the country.Netanyahu said attacking Iran’s nuclear facilities was one of the easiest decisions he had made as prime minister. He argued that Israel’s actions were aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear capabilities that could threaten Israel and other countries.He also claimed that some of the countries represented by delegates who walked out had privately thanked Israel for what he described as the removal of Iran’s nuclear capabilities.Those comments were Netanyahu’s characterization of private conversations and were not independently verified in the reports reviewed.Pager Reference During UN SpeechDuring his address, Netanyahu also held up a pager while referring to Israel’s operation against Hezbollah in Lebanon.The visual reference was linked to the pager explosions that targeted Hezbollah members in Lebanon in September 2024. Netanyahu has previously used visual aids and objects during UN speeches to make points about Israel’s military and security operations.(READ MORE : Israel Cancels Military Leave Amid Iran Tensions: Is Netanyahu Planning a Fresh Strike?)Gaza and West Bank CriticismThe Netanyahu UN speech took place against the backdrop of continued international criticism of Israel’s conduct in Gaza and its policies in the West Bank.Several world leaders had used their UN speeches earlier in the week to criticise Israel’s actions. Netanyahu rejected allegations against Israel and defended the country's military campaign, saying Israel was acting in self-defence.Israel has rejected allegations that it committed genocide and war crimes, while Palestinian officials and other governments have made serious allegations regarding Israel’s conduct in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories.Netanyahu’s Message at UNGANetanyahu used the address to defend Israel’s military operations, criticise international opponents and highlight Israel’s confrontation with Iran and Hamas.The walkout highlighted the sharp diplomatic divisions surrounding Israel at the UN. At the same time, supporters in the gallery backed Netanyahu with applause and chants as he continued his speech.The Netanyahu UN speech therefore became a major moment of the 81st UN General Assembly, reflecting the continuing international debate over Israel, Gaza, Iran and the wider Middle East conflict.What Happens Next The mass walkout during Benjamin Netanyahu’s UN speech reflected the deep diplomatic divisions surrounding Israel’s policies and military actions. Netanyahu responded by criticising the departing delegates and defending Israel’s operations against Iran and Hamas.His references to Iran’s nuclear programme, the Hezbollah pager operation and criticism over Gaza formed major parts of an address delivered amid heightened tensions across the Middle East.
