Dozens of delegations walked out of the United Nations General Assembly hall on Thursday as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began his address at the 81st UN General Assembly in New York.
The walkout took place as Netanyahu approached the podium, with diplomats leaving their seats while others remained in the chamber. Delegates also jeered and booed as the Israeli prime minister began speaking, while members of the Israeli delegation and supporters in the gallery applauded.
The presiding officer repeatedly called for order as the disruption unfolded.
Netanyahu responded to the departing delegates during the opening moments of his speech, referring to those who left as “moral cowards” and telling those who remained that Israel was acting in defence of countries whose representatives had walked out.
The Palestinian Mission to the United Nations had earlier circulated a message encouraging missions to participate in a collective walkout when Netanyahu’s name was announced. According to AP, the message urged countries to use the action to protest Israel’s policies and its military campaign in Gaza. Israel rejects allegations of genocide and war crimes.
Netanyahu used his address to defend Israel’s military actions and focus heavily on Iran, including the decision to attack Iranian nuclear facilities. He described the decision to attack Iran as one of the easiest decisions he had made as prime minister and argued that Israel’s actions were necessary for its security.
He also addressed the war in Gaza, saying Israel was not finished with its military campaign and calling for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
The walkout comes amid heightened international criticism of Israel over its military operations in Gaza and deep divisions among UN member states over the conflict. Protests were also held in New York ahead of Netanyahu’s appearance at the UN headquarters.
Netanyahu’s appearance was part of the high-level General Debate of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, which is taking place in New York from September 22 to September 26.