Several Delegates Walk Out As Netanyahu Starts UNGA Speech, Israeli PM Calls Them ‘Moral Cowards’

September 25, 2026

New York: Several UN delegations walked out of the General Assembly hall as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began his address at the 81st United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, with Netanyahu calling those who left “moral cowards.”

As Netanyahu took the podium, dozens of delegates streamed out of the hall. The walkout came amid protests over his appearance and international criticism of Israel’s actions in the region. Some delegates who remained in the chamber applauded Netanyahu, while supporters in the viewing gallery also cheered during parts of his speech.

#WATCH | New York | Delegates from various countries leave the UN General Assembly hall as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu begins his speech

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says, “Before I begin, just a quick announcement: if there are any other moral cowards… pic.twitter.com/CBbFqwpEOe

— ANI (@ANI) September 24, 2026

Netanyahu Calls Delegates ‘Moral Cowards’

Netanyahu directly addressed the delegates who were leaving the hall as he began his speech.

“Before I begin, just a quick announcement: if there are any other moral cowards who haven’t yet left this hall, please do so now. Thank you very much,” he said.

The General Assembly president repeatedly called for order as the walkout took place.

The Palestinian Mission to the UN had urged delegations to collectively leave the hall when Netanyahu’s speech began, according to reports.

Israeli PM Defends Military Actions Against Iran

During his address, Netanyahu defended Israel’s military actions against Iran and Hamas and strongly criticised countries and leaders he said had opposed Israel.

He defended Israel’s strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, saying the decision was necessary for Israel’s security. Netanyahu also claimed that some countries whose representatives had walked out had privately thanked Israel for its actions against Iran.

“In defending itself, Israel is also defending many of the countries whose delegates just left this hall,” Netanyahu said.

Netanyahu also praised US President Donald Trump and described the United States as a key partner in Israel’s confrontation with Iran.

Netanyahu Attacks Critics During UN Speech

Netanyahu criticised New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Qatar during his address. He rejected accusations against Israel and said the country was defending itself against threats from Iran and Hamas.

He also referred to Israel’s military campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon and held up a pager while discussing the 2024 pager explosions targeting members of the Iran-backed group.

The Israeli prime minister’s address came a day after Palestine President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the General Assembly by video, denouncing what he described as a “genocidal war” in Gaza and reaffirming his support for a two-state solution.

The walkout left many seats in the General Assembly hall empty as Netanyahu continued his address.