Netanyahu Defends Israel at UN as Dozens of Delegates Walk Out

UNITED NATIONS — September 25, 2026: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu used his address to the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday to defend Israel’s military actions in Gaza and against Iran, while dozens of delegates walked out as he began speaking. Netanyahu responded by calling those who left “moral cowards.”

The walkout was one of the most visible moments of a speech shaped by Israel’s growing diplomatic isolation and an upcoming national election. Israel’s next election is scheduled for October 27, according to Reuters.

Key points

• Dozens of delegates left the General Assembly hall as Netanyahu took the podium.
• Netanyahu defended Israel’s military operations in Gaza and its campaign against Iran.
• He rejected allegations of genocide in Gaza, describing them as false and calling them the “biggest lie of the century.”
• He criticized New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and other international critics during the address.
• Israel’s October 27 election adds a domestic political backdrop to Netanyahu’s appearance at the UN.

Netanyahu also argued that Israel’s actions against Iran were intended to prevent a wider threat and said Israel was defending not only itself but other countries as well. The Associated Press reported that he presented the decision to attack Iran as a necessary response to the perceived danger posed by Tehran.

The speech came after Netanyahu had said he would use the UN platform to defend Israel’s soldiers and challenge criticism of his government. Reuters reported before the address that he was also expected to confront Mamdani, who has publicly accused Netanyahu of war crimes and genocide.

The Israeli government had already framed the UN gathering as an opportunity to push back against what it considers systematic criticism of Israel. On September 22, Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and National Public Diplomacy Directorate launched a campaign titled “The UN’s Lie Industry,” accusing the General Assembly of bias.

The walkout therefore became an important part of the story itself: while Netanyahu used the podium to present Israel’s case, a large number of diplomats chose not to remain in the hall for the address. Reuters described the scene as reflecting the competing pressures Netanyahu faces internationally and at home.