A significant walkout occurred at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took the podium. Representatives from several countries, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, Sudan, Tunisia, Algeria, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Jordan, and Qatar, left the chamber. However, some countries had at least one representative remaining. The walkout came amid heightened international criticism of Israel's conduct in Gaza.
Netanyahu used his address to defend Israel's actions and challenge accusations against his government. He criticized those who left, referring to them as "moral cowards." He questioned where they were when "Iranian tyrants butchered and maimed tens of thousands of unarmed Iranian civilians." The Palestinian delegation was among those who left, while the Palestinian Mission to the UN was scheduled to speak later.
During his address, Netanyahu also targeted New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a vocal critic of Israel's military actions in Gaza and the West Bank. Mamdani had released a video showing him planting an olive tree at Gracie Mansion and having dinner with a Palestinian family. Netanyahu accused Mamdani of trying to silence him and contribute to an environment where Jewish New Yorkers feel unsafe.
Mamdani has rejected Netanyahu's characterizations and criticized the Israeli prime minister over the war in Gaza. The exchange between the two occurred amid ongoing international scrutiny of Israel's actions in Gaza. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel did not commit genocide and instead prevented it. He also accused Mamdani and others of spreading lies about Jews and the Jewish state.
The countries that walked out or had empty seats included Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tunisia, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Algeria, Iran, Malaysia, Montenegro, Kyrgyzstan, Jordan, Libya, and the Marshall Islands. Netanyahu's speech was met with applause from some remaining delegates. His address also touched on his government's actions in Gaza, which have faced significant international criticism.
The Israeli government rejects criticism of its conduct in Gaza. Netanyahu used his speech to defend his government's actions and push back against accusations. He referenced a 15-point Gaza peace plan that he had rejected, differing from former US President Donald Trump's stance. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel would not pull out of Gaza.
The incident at the UNGA reflects the ongoing tensions and divisions over Israel's actions in Gaza and the West Bank. Netanyahu's visit to the UNGA and his address were closely watched, given the current international climate. The walkout and his remarks highlight the deep-seated disagreements between Israel and various countries over its military actions and policies.
Key points
- Representatives from over a dozen countries walked out during Netanyahu's address.
- Netanyahu criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and defended Israel's actions in Gaza.
- The incident reflects ongoing international tensions over Israel's conduct in Gaza and the West Bank.
