Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced a chilly reception at the UN General Assembly on September 26, 2026, as representatives from 77 countries walked out during his speech. The empty seats and departing delegates were a stark contrast to the usual protocol and respect afforded to visiting leaders. Despite attempts by his supporters to drown out the criticism with chants of "Long live the people of Israel," the scene was one of isolation and disapproval.
The backlash against Netanyahu was not limited to the UN General Assembly. Thousands of people took to the streets of New York City to protest against his presence, calling for an end to the "genocidal war" in Gaza and the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. The protesters, who gathered in front of the New York Public Library, waved Palestinian flags and held signs denouncing Netanyahu as a "war criminal."
The protests were not limited to anti-Israel demonstrators. Dozens of Jewish protesters also gathered in Union Square, holding a yellow banner with the message "Netanyahu, your time is up." The diverse range of protesters reflected growing international disapproval of Israel's policies and actions.
The diplomatic fallout was also evident, with many countries' representatives leaving the assembly in protest during Netanyahu's speech. These included delegations from Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, Indonesia, and several African and Latin American countries. Even some European countries, such as Ireland and Spain, distanced themselves from Netanyahu.
The International Criminal Court had issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu in 2024 on suspicion of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the Gaza war. The warrant added to the controversy surrounding his visit to New York.
Despite the opposition, Netanyahu insisted on delivering his speech, which was met with widespread criticism. Many world leaders, including those from France and the UK, condemned Israel's actions in their own speeches, but the question remained as to whether these words would translate into concrete actions.
The controversy surrounding Netanyahu's visit highlighted the deep divisions and tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As the international community continues to grapple with the issue, the images of Netanyahu's isolation and the protests against him are likely to endure.
Key points
- Representatives from 77 countries walked out during Netanyahu's speech at the UN General Assembly.
- Thousands of people protested against Netanyahu's presence in New York City, calling for an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.
- The International Criminal Court had issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu in 2024 on suspicion of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
