The speech of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the 81st session of the UN General Assembly was marked by controversy and tension. On September 26, 2026, Netanyahu addressed the assembly in New York, but his speech was disrupted by dozens of delegations walking out in protest. The walkout occurred as soon as Netanyahu took the podium, with many representatives from Arab and Muslim countries, as well as other delegations, leaving the hall. This show of protest was in response to Netanyahu's presence and the policies of his government.
The Palestinian delegation had called on diplomatic missions to participate in the protest, and many heeded the call. As Netanyahu began his speech, he was met with jeers and catcalls from the remaining delegates. In response to the walkout, Netanyahu described those who left as "morally cowardly," and invited those who shared their views to leave as well. His team, however, applauded his speech. Netanyahu used his time at the podium to defend Israel's actions, particularly in Gaza, and to attack his critics, including the Mayor of New York.
Netanyahu rejected accusations of genocide against Israel, calling them "the greatest lie of the century." This stance is at odds with the findings of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry, mandated by the UN Human Rights Council, which concluded in September 2025 and again in 2026 that Israeli authorities and forces had committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. The commission also reported crimes against humanity and war crimes. The issue is currently before the International Court of Justice, which has not yet made a definitive ruling.
Netanyahu also downplayed violence committed by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, while presenting his government as committed to defending its citizens. His speech blended political defense, accusations against critics, and a presentation of Israel's position on the war in Gaza and other regional issues. Netanyahu also touched on the Iranian nuclear program, claiming that Israeli actions had severely impacted Iranian nuclear facilities.
Netanyahu's speech took place against the backdrop of international legal proceedings against him. In November 2024, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, charging them with war crimes and crimes against humanity in connection with operations in Gaza. Israel rejects these accusations and contests the ICC's jurisdiction. The presence of Netanyahu at the UN General Assembly highlights ongoing tensions regarding international accountability for Israeli leaders and the conduct of the war against Palestinians.
Outside the UN headquarters, hundreds of protesters gathered to denounce Netanyahu's presence and demand an end to the war against Palestinians in Gaza. Demonstrations were held near the UN and in several areas of Manhattan, featuring Palestinian flags and signs calling for Palestinian freedom and an end to the occupation. The New York Police Department deployed a significant security presence around the rally sites. According to US media, over 100 people were arrested during a demonstration organized before Netanyahu's speech.
The protests also included Jewish activists opposed to the policies of the Israeli government. Members of the Neturei Karta movement condemned Netanyahu's presence at the UN and disputed his claim to speak on behalf of all Jews. The controversy marked Netanyahu's address to the General Assembly, with protests both inside and outside the UN. The walkout by dozens of delegations, protests in the assembly hall, and demonstrations in New York highlighted a speech primarily focused on defending Israel's policies against international accusations and criticism related to the war in Gaza.
Key points
- Dozens of delegations walked out during Netanyahu's speech at the UN General Assembly in protest of his presence and policies.
- Netanyahu defended Israel's actions in Gaza, rejecting accusations of genocide as "the greatest lie of the century."
- The speech took place amid international legal proceedings against Netanyahu, including an ICC arrest warrant for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
