Netanyahu Faces Walkout at UN as He Defends Israel's Actions

During the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a speech that prompted a walkout by dozens of delegates from various countries, encouraged by the Palestinian Mission to the UN. Notable empty seats were observed from countries including Saudi Arabia, Sudan, and Iran, although some delegates from these nations remained.

Netanyahu referred to the departing delegates as "phony human rights protesters" and questioned their silence on Iranian state violence. He specifically addressed New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who had criticized Israel's military operations and recently planted an olive tree as a symbol of Palestine.

Netanyahu asserted that Israel did not commit genocide but rather prevented it, and he condemned the spread of lies about Israel and the Jewish people. At the time of reporting, a complete list of countries whose delegates walked out had not been published, but the number was described as running into the dozens.