Dozens of delegates walked out of the United Nations General Assembly hall in New York on Thursday, September 24, 2026, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began his address. The walkout took place during the 81st UN General Assembly session amid international criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza.The departure left sections of the General Assembly chamber visibly empty. Reuters reported that delegates streamed out as Netanyahu approached the podium, turning the opening of his Netanyahu UN General Assembly speech into a prominent diplomatic protest.Why did delegations walk out of Netanyahu’s speech?The Netanyahu speech walkout came against the backdrop of the continuing Gaza war and wider international criticism of Israel’s military actions. The conflict began after the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed about 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages being taken, according to figures cited by Reuters.Israel subsequently launched a military campaign in Gaza. Gaza health authorities have reported more than 73,000 Palestinian deaths during the conflict. Israel rejects allegations that it has committed genocide and says its military operations target Hamas.Related Instagram Video : Netanyahu UN SpeechWhat did Netanyahu say about the UNGA walkout?During his Benjamin Netanyahu UN speech, the Israeli prime minister sharply criticized the delegates who left the chamber. He described them as “moral cowards” and told others who felt similarly to leave the hall as well.The Israeli delegation remained in the chamber and was seen supporting Netanyahu during the address. Despite the walkout, Netanyahu continued with his speech and defended Israel’s actions, including its military operations against regional threats.What did Netanyahu say about Israel’s military actions?Netanyahu used his UNGA 2026 address to defend Israel’s security policies and military actions in the region. According to the United Nations, he said Israel had to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons capable of threatening Israel and the wider world.The speech came as the UN General Assembly continued discussions on conflicts and the situation in the Middle East. The UN has also continued to emphasize a two-state solution, with Secretary-General António Guterres saying the approach remains central to long-term peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians.Also Read : Netanyahu UN Speech: Dozens of Delegates Walk Out as Israeli PM Calls Them ‘Moral Cowards’
