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Netanyahu Faces Walkout, Criticism at UN Speech
Confirmed
In Short: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced a walkout and criticism during his speech at the UN General Assembly.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced a walkout and criticism during his speech at the UN General Assembly on Thursday.
As Netanyahu took the stage, dozens of delegates from across the globe streamed out of the chamber, prompting Netanyahu to call out those who remained as 'moral cowards.
Netanyahu's fiery response included a direct challenge to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, whom he accused of being 'anti-semitic,' and influencer Hasan Piker.
Netanyahu's speech was expected to focus primarily on Iran and to defend Israel against criticism over its actions in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
Netanyahu's brief visit to New York, lasting only a few hours, was seen as an opportunity to defend Israel on the international stage ahead of a tightly contested Israeli election.
The walkout and criticism at the UN General Assembly reflect growing isolation and condemnation of Israel over its actions in the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank.
Netanyahu's office had received numerous requests for meetings, but his schedule and the need to return to Israel before the onset of the Jewish holiday Sukkot limited the number of meetings he could accommodate.
Netanyahu's speech also addressed French President Emmanuel Macron's recent comments concerning Hamas in the West Bank, which Netanyahu's office had strongly criticized.
The Israeli Prime Minister's Office said Netanyahu would use the UN podium to defend Israel and Israeli soldiers against what he described as false claims surrounding the country’s actions.
What this adds
Netanyahu's comments about the walkout and his criticism of other leaders were met with mixed reactions, with some supporters praising his defense of Israel and others criticizing his rhetoric as inflammatory.
What's confirmed
- After taking the stage, Netanyahu said, "Before I begin, just a quick announcement, if there are any other moral cowards who haven't yet left this hall, please do so now," as cheers erupted from the remaining delegates in the chamber.
What's still developing
- "It's hard to imagine more mind blowing hypocrisy, but that's exactly what it is," said Netanyahu.
- "In this battle against the barbarians, we've had no greater partner than President Trump," said Netanyahu.
- The protests came as conflict in the Middle East continued and Israel faced criticism over its actions in the region.
- Netanyahu's address drew protests from delegates inside the U.N.
- Criticism of the UK Government’s action ranges from the feeble to the toxic.
- Supporters of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pretend that any attack on him and his policies is an antisemitic attack on Jews as a whole, though this is obviously not the case.
- To give a concrete example, I was struck when looking at official files in the National Archives at Kew, how British ministers appeasing Germany in the 1930s were outraged by any hint of public criticism and worked hard to suppress it.
- Others absurdly argue that criticism of Israel by the UK will work to Netanyahu’s advantage come the Israeli general election because he can claim he is the target of Israel-hating enemies.
- But taken to its logical conclusion, this approach would mute all criticism of Netanyahu, on the risible grounds that this is the best way to get rid of him.
- Report us Related Topics Benjamin Netanyahu Hamas Gaza border region Gaza Strip United States Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that Gaza’s reconstruction cannot begin unless Hamas is disarmed and the Strip is demilitarized, setting out Israel’s position as talks over the next stage of the U.S.-backed Gaza plan remain stalled.
- Netanyahu did not deny the report, but said Israel would not accept reconstruction without demilitarization.
- Gallery ( Photo: IDF ) “There will be no reconstruction in Gaza without dismantling and demilitarizing the Strip,” Netanyahu said.