Netanyahu calls UN delegates moral cowards after mass walkout

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced a wave of protest at the United Nations General Assembly on 24 September 2026, as dozens of delegates walked out during his speech, which he delivered under heavy scrutiny over Israel’s military actions in Gaza and Lebanon. The walkouts, organized by the Palestinian Mission to the UN, were a direct response to allegations of genocide and war crimes against Palestinians, while Netanyahu denounced the protesters as “moral cowards” and defended his government’s policies with unapologetic rhetoric.

Mass Walkouts and Netanyahu’s Defiant Response

As Netanyahu took the podium at the UN General Assembly in New York, a significant portion of the audience left the hall, with some delegates chanting and booing. The exodus, described by multiple outlets as “massive,” left many seats empty and prompted Netanyahu to address the remaining attendees. “If there are any other moral cowards who haven’t left this hall, please do so now,” he said, according to reports from Yahoo News and the Australian Associated Press. The Israeli delegation reportedly cheered his remarks, while UN General Assembly President Khalilur Rahman repeatedly called for order, banging his gavel to restore decorum.

The walkouts were part of a coordinated effort by the Palestinian Mission to the UN, which had urged member states to “collectively walk out of the assembly” during Netanyahu’s speech. The message, shared with 193 UN member nations, stated that the protest aimed to “send a clear message to Netanyahu and his government that no one is willing to aid, abet or be complicit in its genocide and war crimes and illegal occupation.” The move underscored the deepening international isolation of Israel, which has faced repeated accusations of committing atrocities in Gaza since the October 2023 Hamas-led attack on southern Israel.

Netanyahu’s Defense of Military Actions

During his speech, Netanyahu framed his government’s actions as necessary for national survival, particularly his 2024 strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities. “Defending itself, Israel is also defending many of the countries whose delegates just left this hall,” he claimed, citing private gratitude from some leaders. He described the decision to attack Iran as “one of the easiest I’ve ever had to make,” arguing that failure to act would have led to global catastrophe. “If we hadn’t done it, we’d all be dead,” he said, according to Yahoo News.

Netanyahu also addressed allegations of genocide in Gaza, calling them “the biggest lie of the century.” He cited the 1,200 Israeli deaths from the October 7 attack, comparing the toll to “40,000 innocent Americans slaughtered in less than 24 hours,” a reference to the 9/11 attacks. The Israeli leader further accused Western nations of hypocrisy, noting that some had “private” support for Israel’s actions while publicly criticizing it. His remarks drew sharp criticism from Palestinian and international observers, who reiterated demands for accountability and an end to the conflict.

Context of Regional Tensions and International Criticism

The walkouts occurred against a backdrop of escalating regional tensions, including Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and stalled efforts to rebuild Gaza. A top European Union official reported that only 1 billion euros of the 71 billion euros pledged for Gaza’s reconstruction had been collected, highlighting the humanitarian crisis facing the territory. Meanwhile, Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed to have launched ballistic missiles and drones at Saudi military targets, though the attacks were intercepted by Saudi forces.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, barred from attending the UN General Assembly due to a U.S. visa denial, delivered a prerecorded address emphasizing his commitment to resisting displacement and external control over Palestine’s future. Hamas, which controls Gaza, reiterated its readiness to advance a peace agreement but stopped short of endorsing disarmament, a condition Israel has tied to reconstruction efforts.

Netanyahu’s speech also touched on domestic issues in the U.S., where New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has called for the prime minister’s arrest over alleged war crimes. Netanyahu accused Mamdani of fostering anti-Semitism, claiming “many Jews no longer feel safe in New York” since his election. The remarks drew further criticism, as did his dismissal of Palestinian suffering, which he attributed to “juvenile delinquents” rather than systemic occupation.

Unresolved Questions and Next Steps

The incident at the UN highlights the deepening divide over Israel’s actions in Gaza and the broader Middle East. While Netanyahu’s supporters view his speech as a defense of national security, critics argue it reflects a pattern of defiance toward international norms. The Palestinian Mission’s coordinated walkout may signal growing global solidarity with Palestinian demands, but the lack of progress on Gaza’s reconstruction and the stalled ceasefire negotiations suggest the conflict remains entrenched.

As the UN General Assembly continues, the focus will likely shift to calls for humanitarian aid, accountability for alleged war crimes, and the prospects for a lasting peace. The next major test may come in the form of a potential U.S. decision on whether to intervene in Yemen’s conflict or address the ongoing blockade of Gaza, both of which could further shape the region’s trajectory.