77 Delegations Walk Out as Netanyahu Addresses UN General Assembly

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to the United Nations General Assembly was met with a mass walkout on Thursday, September 24, 2026, as dozens of delegations left the hall before or during his speech.

According to Press TV, representatives of 77 countries were absent when Netanyahu began speaking. Footage shared on social media showed numerous delegates leaving the chamber, while some people inside the hall chanted “Free Palestine” and others booed the Israeli prime minister.

The walkout attracted significant attention in Israeli media. Channel 14 described it as a major humiliation for Israel, while Yedioth Ahronoth characterized it as a dramatic protest. Haaretz criticized Netanyahu’s speech as repetitive and said it appeared largely directed at his domestic political base and US President Donald Trump.

Netanyahu defended Israel’s actions in Gaza and rejected allegations that Israel had committed genocide. He also criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has called for the enforcement of an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against Netanyahu.

Mamdani responded that Netanyahu’s statements could not erase the ICC warrant, which was issued in November 2024 against Netanyahu and his former defence minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

The speech came as pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside the UN headquarters in New York, demanding an end to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.

Hamas also condemned Netanyahu’s address, describing it as containing false claims and saying that he should face justice over alleged crimes against Palestinians.

Press TV reported that Netanyahu left New York shortly after delivering his speech, amid concerns over possible protests and the ICC arrest warrant.

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