Scores of delegates walked out of the United Nations General Assembly hall in protest as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took the podium to address the general debate of the 81st session. The walkout occurred on September 25, 2026, as Netanyahu began his speech. His appearance sparked widespread criticism and diplomatic isolation.
Netanyahu used his speech to defend Israel's military actions in Gaza and elsewhere in the region. He rejected allegations of genocide in Gaza, claiming that Israel "didn't commit genocide. Israel prevented genocide." The Israeli prime minister accused several countries, including Western European nations, of "succumbing to the antisemitic mobs" and refusing to stand with Israel.
As Netanyahu began speaking, dozens of delegates walked out, leaving a large number of empty seats in the hall. Accusing his critics of spreading what he called lies about Israel, Netanyahu called the delegates who walked out "moral cowards." The walkout was a significant display of discontent among UN member states.
Earlier in the day, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas told the assembly that the existence of the Palestinian people is under threat and the two-state solution has been undermined severely. Addressing world leaders via pre-recorded video, Abbas described the dire situation in Gaza and the West Bank.
Abbas said Palestinians in Gaza were being subjected to killing, destruction, starvation, attempted forced displacement and "a war of genocide," while in the West Bank settlement expansion was accelerating. He warned that Israeli extremism is expanding its colonial project to create the so-called Greater Israel.
Outside the UN headquarters, hundreds of demonstrators gathered to protest Netanyahu's appearance and express support for the Palestinian people. The protests highlighted the deep divisions and strong emotions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Abbas called for greater international efforts to preserve the two-state solution, noting that "neither military occupation nor settler terrorism will pave the way to that solution." He also criticized the U.S. decision to deny visas to the Palestinian delegation for a second consecutive year and urged Washington to lift the sanctions and restrictions against Palestine.
Key points
- Netanyahu defended Israel's military actions in Gaza and elsewhere in the region, amid growing international criticism and diplomatic isolation.
- Scores of delegates walked out of the UN General Assembly hall in protest as Netanyahu began his speech.
- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas warned that the existence of the Palestinian people is under threat and the two-state solution has been undermined severely.
