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Dozens of delegates walked out of the UN General Assembly chamber as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began his address on Thursday, in a dramatic protest over Israel’s war in Gaza and its policies in the occupied West Bank.
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Addressing those who remained, Netanyahu described the departing delegates as “moral cowards” and declared that Israel would continue defending itself despite growing international criticism.
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Netanyahu rejected allegations that Israel committed genocide in Gaza, saying Israel had “prevented genocide”. He also defended Israel’s military action against Iran and praised United States President Donald Trump for his support.
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The Israeli PM used the UN platform to confront New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, accusing him of spreading “lies” about Israel and Jews after Mamdani called him a war criminal and criticised Israel’s Gaza campaign.
September 24, (THEWILL) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced a dramatic walkout at the United Nations on Thursday as dozens of delegates left the General Assembly chamber moments after he took the podium.
The protest came amid mounting international criticism of Israel over its military campaign in Gaza and actions in the occupied West Bank.
Netanyahu responded defiantly, telling those who remained: “If there are any other moral cowards who haven’t yet left this hall, please do so now.”
He then defended Israel’s military actions, insisting that his country had no choice but to continue fighting.
“We will continue to defend our state. We will continue to win because we have no other choice,” he said.
Netanyahu rejected allegations that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, declaring: “Israel didn’t commit genocide. Israel prevented genocide.”
Iran also featured prominently in Netanyahu’s address. He defended Israel’s strikes against Iranian military and nuclear facilities, describing the decision to attack Iran as “one of the easiest decisions” he had made.
He credited US-Israeli cooperation and praised President Donald Trump for what he called his “bold leadership”.
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Netanyahu also turned his attention to New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has accused him of war crimes and Israel of genocide in Gaza.
The Israeli leader accused Mamdani of spreading lies and antisemitic rhetoric, declaring: “You can’t silence me. You can’t silence the truth.”
The speech followed a series of critical interventions by European and Middle Eastern leaders at the General Assembly.
Jordan’s King Abdullah II called for sanctions and diplomatic isolation against Israel, while French President Emmanuel Macron criticised Israeli policies in the West Bank.
The mass walkout and Netanyahu’s combative response highlighted the widening diplomatic divide over Israel’s military operations in Gaza, its confrontation with Iran and the future of the Palestinian territories.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
