Dozens abandon UN Hall at start of Netanyahu address
September 25 2026
Dozens of delegates walked out of the United Nations General Assembly hall in New York on Thursday as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began his address to world leaders, turning the opening moments of his speech into a visible display of international divisions over Israel’s actions in the Middle East.
The walkout occurred at the start of Netanyahu’s address during the 81st session of the General Assembly. Reuters reported that dozens of delegates left the chamber as the Israeli prime minister took the podium. Netanyahu responded by describing those who departed as “moral cowards” and challenged others who opposed his presence to leave as well.
Anadolu Agency’s review of footage from the session found that representatives from nearly 70 countries either walked out or left their seats vacant. Among the delegations reported to have participated were representatives from Türkiye, the Palestinian delegation, Tunisia, Egypt, Jordan, Iran, Qatar, Lebanon, Malaysia, Indonesia, Kuwait, Spain, Brazil and Peru.
However, reports differed over exactly which countries participated. Several delegations initially reported as having joined the protest were later identified as remaining in the chamber, including representatives from countries such as Germany, France, the United Kingdom, China, Colombia and the United Arab Emirates.
The protest came amid intense international disagreement over Israel’s military operations in Gaza and its wider military actions in the region.
Netanyahu used his address to defend Israel’s conduct, reject accusations that Israel committed genocide in Gaza and argue that Israel was acting in self-defence.
He also defended Israel’s military action against Iran and thanked U.S. President Donald Trump for what he described as support for Israel.
The scene inside the General Assembly chamber was accompanied by competing reactions, with members of the Israeli delegation and supporters applauding while the assembly president repeatedly called for order.
The walkout highlights the continuing diplomatic divisions surrounding Israel and the Gaza conflict, with countries taking sharply different positions over Israel’s military campaign, Palestinian statehood and the broader security situation in the Middle East.
