Precious Nwonu, Enugu
Dozens of delegates walked out of the United Nations General Assembly chamber on Thursday as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began his address at the 81st UNGA in New York.
The walkout came as Netanyahu took the podium, with several Arab and Muslim-majority countries among those whose representatives left the chamber. Colombia and South Africa were also reported among the countries whose delegates walked out.
The protest was accompanied by jeers and boos from some people in the chamber, while members of the Israeli delegation stood and applauded Netanyahu. The session chair repeatedly called for order.
Responding to the departing delegates, Netanyahu described them as “moral cowards” and challenged others who remained in the chamber to leave as well.
The Palestinian delegation had earlier called on other UN missions to join the protest against Netanyahu’s appearance.
The Israeli Prime Minister used his address to defend his government’s actions and criticise several of its international opponents, including Iran, Turkey and France, while also attacking New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
Netanyahu accused Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of supporting Hamas by allowing its leaders to operate from Turkey. He also criticised countries that have accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, allegations Israel rejects.
Turning to New York, Netanyahu said many Jewish residents no longer felt safe in the city following Mamdani’s election as mayor. Mamdani has rejected Netanyahu’s accusations against him.
Netanyahu also addressed violence involving Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, describing some of those involved as “juvenile delinquents” and saying he opposed vigilantism.
“What they cover is a handful of young juvenile delinquents,” Netanyahu said, referring to reports of attacks involving Israeli youths.
He said his government had taken steps against such violence, adding that he would not tolerate vigilantism.
The Prime Minister also defended Israel’s military actions in the region, including its operations against Iran, and said Israel was facing threats on several fronts.
He praised United States President Donald Trump for what he described as strong support for Israel and said the two countries had worked together on military operations and efforts involving hostages held in Gaza.
Netanyahu’s appearance came amid heightened international criticism of Israel over the war in Gaza and its actions in the occupied Palestinian territories.
The speech also coincided with protests outside the UN headquarters in New York, where demonstrators called for an end to the war and US support for Israel. More than 100 people were reportedly arrested during the protests.
The walkout marked another highly contentious appearance by Netanyahu at the UN, where several countries have increasingly criticised Israel’s policies and military operations.
Despite the protests inside and outside the UN headquarters, Netanyahu continued his address, defending Israel’s actions and arguing that the country would continue to protect its security and interests.