Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a defiant address to the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, September 24, 2026, after dozens of delegates left the chamber as he took the podium.
The walkout turned the speech into a highly visible diplomatic confrontation, underscoring the widening divide over Israel’s military actions in Gaza, its regional policy and its conflict with Iran.
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Benjamin Netanyahu: Delegates leave as Netanyahu begins speaking
Delegates from multiple countries streamed out of the General Assembly hall at the beginning of Netanyahu’s address.
Netanyahu responded by accusing those who left of being “moral cowards” and argued that Israel was defending not only itself but also countries represented in the chamber.
The protest followed several days of criticism of Israel by international leaders during the 81st session of the General Assembly.
The Palestinian mission had urged delegations to leave during Netanyahu’s speech, according to reports from the session.
The United Nations’ official schedule listed Netanyahu as one of the speakers during the continuing general debate of the 81st session.
Netanyahu focuses on Iran and Israel’s security
Netanyahu defended Israel’s decision to attack Iran, describing it as one of the easiest decisions he had made.
He presented Israel’s military campaign as part of a broader effort to confront threats from Iran and Iranian-backed armed groups across the region.
The prime minister also appealed directly to Iranians, saying he believed the Iranian people could bring political change and overcome the country’s current leadership.
His remarks placed Iran near the centre of the address, even as Gaza remained the main source of international criticism directed at Israel.
Gaza remains at the centre of international pressure
Netanyahu rejected accusations that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza and said Israel was acting in self-defence.
Israel’s government has repeatedly argued that its military campaign is aimed at Hamas and other armed groups, while critics say the scale of civilian suffering and destruction requires international accountability.
The dispute has deepened Israel’s diplomatic isolation, with governments and international organizations increasingly focused on civilian casualties, humanitarian conditions and the future political status of Gaza.
Netanyahu’s speech did not resolve those differences.
Instead, it reinforced the competing narratives that have dominated international debate since the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
What happens next for Netanyahu
Netanyahu made a short visit to New York for the UN appearance and was scheduled to meet several foreign leaders during the trip, according to Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office.
The office said he would meet the presidents of Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, Panama and Ethiopia, the vice-president of Colombia, and the prime ministers of Greece, Slovenia and Papua New Guinea.
It also said Netanyahu planned to return to Israel before the beginning of Sukkot, limiting the length of his visit.
The immediate political impact of the speech will depend on how Israel’s allies and critics respond, particularly over Gaza, Iran and Israel’s longer-term regional strategy.
For Netanyahu, the appearance provided an opportunity to project resolve to Israeli audiences and supporters abroad.
The walkout, however, also offered a visual reminder of the diplomatic opposition confronting his government.
Why the UN appearance matters
UN speeches rarely change military policy on their own, but they can shape diplomatic pressure, public messaging and negotiations that follow.
Netanyahu’s address came at a moment when Israel’s relations with several governments were already strained and when the United States, European countries and Middle Eastern states were publicly debating the consequences of the wars involving Gaza, Iran and regional armed groups.
The speech therefore served two purposes: defending Israel’s conduct before an international audience and signalling that Netanyahu’s government intends to maintain its security-first approach despite growing criticism.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened during Benjamin Netanyahu’s UN speech on September 24, 2026?
Dozens of delegates walked out as Netanyahu began speaking. He responded by calling those who left “moral cowards” and defended Israel’s actions.
What issues did Netanyahu discuss at the United Nations?
He focused on Iran, Israel’s security, the Gaza war and accusations that Israel had committed genocide.
Why did delegates leave Netanyahu’s speech?
The walkout was a protest against Israel’s military actions in Gaza and its broader regional policy. The Palestinian mission had urged delegations to participate.
Did Netanyahu meet U.S. President Donald Trump during the visit?
Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office announcement listed meetings with several foreign leaders but did not list a meeting with Trump.
What comes next for Netanyahu?
Netanyahu is expected to return to Israel after the short New York visit, while diplomatic pressure over Gaza, Iran and Israel’s regional strategy continues.
Fact-Checked: Key details were checked against the United Nations’ 81st-session information and Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office announcement, with the speech and walkout corroborated by multiple current reports. ([journal.un.org](https://journal.un.org/en/new-york/meeting/officials/78d22aea-f5d4-4bd7-ba6c-a4726162bebc/2026-09-24?utm_source=openai))
Disclaimer: Statements made by Netanyahu and other governments reflect their stated positions and are presented as claims rather than independent findings.