On Thursday, September 24, 2026, dozens of delegates from various countries withdrew from the UN General Assembly in New York before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech. The sudden departure occurred as Netanyahu was about to address the assembly. According to eyewitnesses, the delegates who left were from countries that have historically been critical of Israel's actions.
As Netanyahu began his speech, many delegates in attendance chose to express their disapproval by leaving the assembly. Some diplomats were heard chanting and jeering, objecting to Netanyahu's presence at the UN. Meanwhile, the Israeli delegation stood and applauded as Netanyahu took the podium. The session's chairperson called for order, urging attendees to respect the speaker.
In his address, Netanyahu targeted Britain and France, criticizing their colonial past. He stated that these countries, which have historically been accused of colonialism, were now condemning Israel, a country that he claimed was being unfairly maligned. Netanyahu argued that it was hypocritical for these nations to lecture Israel on issues of colonialism.
The mass withdrawal of delegates from the assembly was seen as a significant rebuke to Netanyahu and his policies. Many countries have expressed frustration with Israel's actions, particularly with regard to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The incident highlighted the deep divisions within the international community on the issue of Israel's actions.
Outside the UN headquarters in New York, a group of protesters had gathered to express their opposition to Netanyahu's presence. They held signs and banners, voicing their concerns about Israel's policies and actions. The protest was a reflection of the widespread criticism Netanyahu faced during his visit to the United States.
Netanyahu's speech at the UN General Assembly was closely watched, given the current tensions in the region. His comments on Britain and France were seen as an attempt to deflect criticism of Israel's actions by highlighting the colonial histories of other nations. However, his speech did little to alleviate concerns about Israel's policies.
The reaction to Netanyahu's speech at the UN General Assembly underscored the complexities of international diplomacy. The incident highlighted the challenges of navigating complex geopolitical relationships and the difficulties of finding common ground among nations with divergent interests.
Key points
- Netanyahu's speech at the UN General Assembly sparked widespread criticism and protest.
- Dozens of delegates withdrew from the assembly in protest before Netanyahu began to speak.
- Netanyahu targeted Britain and France in his speech, criticizing their colonial past.
