Netanyahu Defends Israel at UN as Delegates Stage Walkout

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a defiant address to the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, defending Israel’s military actions as dozens of delegates walked out in protest. The speech came as Netanyahu faces growing international criticism and a closely watched Israeli election on October 27.

As delegates exited the chamber, Netanyahu called them “moral cowards,” while supporters in the gallery applauded and chanted in Hebrew. He rejected allegations that Israel committed genocide in Gaza and argued that the country’s military campaigns were necessary for its security.

Netanyahu also sharply criticized New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has described the Israeli leader as a war criminal and previously discussed having him arrested under an International Criminal Court warrant. Mamdani has acknowledged that New York City lacks the authority to execute the warrant.

The Israeli prime minister also attacked European governments over their criticism of Israel and accused foreign leaders of yielding to anti-Israel pressure. He defended Israel’s broader regional strategy, including its actions against Iran and Iran-backed groups.

Netanyahu’s appearance carried significant domestic political weight, arriving roughly a month before Israel’s general election. Polls have shown Netanyahu and his allies trailing their rivals, making the internationally televised UN speech an important opportunity to present his security record to Israeli voters.

During the address, Netanyahu used visual props, including a pager referencing Israel’s 2024 operation against Hezbollah members in Lebanon. He also praised U.S. President Donald Trump for supporting Israel, although Netanyahu’s brief U.S. trip did not include a scheduled meeting with the president.

Outside the UN headquarters, protesters demonstrated against Israel’s military campaigns. Inside, the walkout highlighted Israel’s increasingly strained diplomatic relations as international scrutiny continues over Gaza and violence in the occupied West Bank.

Netanyahu nevertheless vowed that Israel would continue defending itself, presenting the country’s regional military operations as essential to its survival and security.