Netanyahu defends Israel at UN as delegates walk out

Summarised from 16 outlets · 43 reports · Updated 25 Sept, 23:02 · Archive

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the UN General Assembly, where dozens of delegates walked out in protest.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a speech at the UN General Assembly in New York on Thursday, defending Israel's military actions and denying allegations of genocide in Gaza. Dozens of delegates staged a walkout as he took the podium, which Netanyahu responded to by calling them 'moral cowards'. During his address, he criticised New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, condemned Western European governments, and accused Qatar and Turkey of spreading falsehoods about Israel. He also stated that attacking Iran was 'one of the easiest decisions' he had ever made. Outside the UN, more than 100 people were arrested during protests against his speech.

How it is being reported

• Netanyahu’s United Nations speech: Letters to the Editor — Sept. 26, 2026NY Post readers discuss Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech to the United Nations.New York Post · 25 Sept, 21:37
• Which countries walked out of Netanyahu’s UNGA speech?Which countries walked out of Netanyahu’s UNGA speech?Al Jazeera · 25 Sept, 20:50
• Jerusalem Daily: What was Netanyahu’s UNGA speech really about?Dozens of countries’ delegations walked out of or were absent for Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s UNGA speech.Al Jazeera · 25 Sept, 20:48
• Protests erupt as Netanyahu gives inflammatory UN speech - The LatestMore than 100 people were arrested at large protests against the Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to the UN general assembly. Susan Sarandon, Chelsea Manning and Caleb Hearon were among the famous faces arrested. Inside the assembly hall, Netanyahu faced a mass walkout as he took to the stage. Then, in an inflammatory address, he claimed Israel’s war in Gaza was the ‘opposite of a genocide’ and labelled the New York mayor, Zohran Mamdani, antisemitic. Lucy Hough speaks to UK global editor Devika Bhat - Watch Thursday’s episode of Stateside with Kai and Carter on whether…The Guardian · 25 Sept, 18:42
• Al Jazeera rejects Netanyahu’s attack on journalists in UN speechIsraeli PM's criticism of Al Jazeera during UNGA address threatens safety of journalists, the media network says.Al Jazeera · 25 Sept, 18:34
• Netanyahu’s UN belligerence wins cheers at home as world walks outIsraeli PM's defiant UN speech alienated critics abroad but delighted his base as elections draw near.Al Jazeera · 25 Sept, 18:03
• Protests erupt as Netanyahu gives inflammatory UN speech - The LatestMore than 100 people were arrested at large protests against the Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to the UN general assembly. Susan Sarandon, Chelsea Manning and Caleb Hearon were among the famous faces arrested. Inside the assembly hall, Netanyahu faced a mass walkout as he took to the stage. Then, in an inflammatory address, he claimed Israel’s war in Gaza was the ‘opposite of a genocide’ and labelled the New York mayor, Zohran Mamdani, antisemitic. Lucy Hough speaks to UK global editor Devika Bhat – watch on YouTube – Listen to Thursday’s episode of Stateside with Kai…Guardian World · 25 Sept, 17:49
• Was Netanyahu's fiery U.N. speech aimed at his own political survival?Israel's embattled leader lashed out at New York's mayor in a heated U.N. address, but a veteran analyst says his real targets were Israeli voters and President Trump.CBS News · 25 Sept, 15:25
• How Israelis are reacting to Netanyahu's speech at U.N. General AssemblyIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended Israel's actions in his speech at the United Nations General Assembly. He also called the delegates who walked out on his speech "moral cowards." CBS News' Dov Lieber has more on how people are reacting to the speech.CBS News · 25 Sept, 14:49
• Israeli official takes notes after UN walkout against NetanyahuAn Israeli official was filmed taking notes after UN delegates staged a walk out during a speech by Netanyahu.Al Jazeera · 25 Sept, 13:41
• Netanyahu lambasts Israel’s critics at UN as New York protesters detained | First ThingMore than 100 people arrested, including celebrities, while Israeli PM was claiming war on Gaza is ‘the opposite of genocide’. Plus a Guardian investigation reveals the extents to which some convenience stores fail to honor their prices Good morning. Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, delivered an inflammatory address to the UN in New York, decrying what he said was a global anti-Jewish conspiracy and taking aim at critics of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He branded Turkey’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, a “tyrant”, described Zohran Mamdani as the “antisemitic mayor of New…Guardian World · 25 Sept, 11:52
• Netanyahu rages against critics, including Mamdani, at UNGAMiddle East crises in focus as UN General Assembly hears from Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and Yemen.NPR · 25 Sept, 11:25
• Israeli PM Netanyahu delivers fiery, defiant speech at UN General AssemblyThe speech came as demonstrators gathered in New York to protest against the Israeli leader, with around 100 people reportedly detained by police.Euronews · 25 Sept, 07:33
• Protests and walkout as Netanyahu addresses the UNProtesters gathered outside the UN as dozens of delegates walked out when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began his speech.Euronews · 25 Sept, 05:53
• Iran-US war latest: Netanyahu calls Tehran attack ‘easy decision’ amid mass walkout by UN delegatesAs Netanyahu took the podium, a mix of cheers, boos and mass walkouts eruptedIndependent World · 25 Sept, 05:19
• Netanyahu uses UN speech to blast NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani: ‘You can’t silence me’The Israeli PM claimed ‘many Jews no longer feel safe in New York’ after Mamdani took officeIndependent World · 25 Sept, 04:45
• UN delegates walk out of Netanyahu speech as he labels them ‘moral cowards’ and defends Israel’s actionsThroughout the address, he directed sharp criticism at New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, condemned Western European governments and accused Qatar and Turkey of disseminating falsehoods regarding IsraelIndependent World · 25 Sept, 04:43
• Michael Goodwin: Netanyahu entered a hostile environment — and met the moment with a speech that can only be called a successIt is a given that many media and political descriptions of Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech to the United Nations will call it fiery and defiant.New York Post · 25 Sept, 03:31
• Contrasting treatment of Israel and Palestine on display at the UNIsrael’s Prime Minister addressed the UN General Assembly in person, despite having an ICC arrest warrant.Al Jazeera · 25 Sept, 03:26
• Israel prevented genocide, Netanyahu says in defense of country’s actionsIn his U.N. speech, the leader sought to counter growing international isolation ahead of elections he could lose, as dozens of delegates walked out.The Japan Times · 25 Sept, 01:57
• UN diplomats dipped out on Bibi Netanyahu for fear of facing the fact of their hypocrisyIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took the podium at the UN General Assembly and urged any “moral cowards” who hadn’t walked out on him yet to vacate their seats, too, because he was about to blister those hypocrites who support the Hamas death cult while condemning a small, beleaguered nation fighting for its survival. But...New York Post · 25 Sept, 00:33
• Benjamin Netanyahu attacks Israel’s enemies and allies in UN speechIsraeli prime minister denounces Iran, NYC Mayor Mamdani and critics accusing Israel of crimes against Palestinians.Al Jazeera · 24 Sept, 23:32
• Netanyahu accuses U.N. delegates of "mind-blowing hypocrisy" for protesting his speechAt the U.N. General Assembly on Thursday, many of the gathered delegates staged a walkout as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approached the podium. Aaron David Miller, senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, joins with analysis.CBS News · 24 Sept, 22:49
• Netanyahu defends Israeli military actions in Middle East in UN speechDozens of delegates walked out in protest as he took the podium, with the Israeli leader labelling them "moral cowards".BBC News · 24 Sept, 22:21
• Benjamin Netanyahu blasts ‘moral cowards’ as delegates storm out of UN meeting during speechBenjamin Netanyahu blasted delegates who stormed out of a UN meeting during his speech in the chamber as “moral cowards”. The Israeli Prime Minister was met with a chorus of boos as he walked to the lectern in New York. As he attempted to begin his address, dozens of delegates could be seen getting to their feet and exiting the chamber. Members of the Israeli delegation rose to their feet and applauded Mr Netanyahu. “If there are any other moral cowards who haven't yet left this hall, please do so now. Thank you very much,” the Israeli Prime Minister said. WATCH ABOVE Our Standards: The GB…GB News · 24 Sept, 21:45
• UN delegates walk out of Netanyahu speech as he labels them ‘moral cowards’ and defends Israel’s actionsThroughout the address, he directed sharp criticism at New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, condemned Western European governments and accused Qatar and Turkey of disseminating falsehoods regarding IsraelIndependent World · 24 Sept, 21:25
• WATCH: Mass walkout before Netanyahu speech prompts fiery response from Israeli prime ministerIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called departing delegates "moral cowards" after a mass walkout at the UN General Assembly in New York.Fox News · 24 Sept, 21:09
• Netanyahu defends Israel in U.N. speech after several diplomats walk outIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended his country's military actions at the U.N. General Assembly on Thursday, with many diplomats walking out as he took the podium. CBS News' Olivia Gazis and Courtney Kealy join with analysis.CBS News · 24 Sept, 20:36
• Israel must win 'because we’ve got no other choice’, PM Netanyahu tells UNIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave a combative speech at the UN General Assembly on Thursday in which he denied that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza, lashed out at leaders, including New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, and said attacking Iran was "one of the easiest decisions" he had ever made.France 24 · 24 Sept, 20:31
• REPLAY: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at the UNGAIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at the UN General Assembly.France 24 · 24 Sept, 20:28
• Delegates walk out of Netanyahu’s UN speechDozens of delegates walked out of the assembly hall as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began his UN speech.Al Jazeera · 24 Sept, 20:18
• Defiant Netanyahu brands Gaza genocide claims the 'biggest lie of the century' and attacks 'moral cowards' as scores of delegates walk out during fiery UN speechDelegates jeered and booed, while Netanyahu's own team stood and applauded, and the speaker of the session shouted for order.Daily Mail · 24 Sept, 20:11
• UNGA Day 3: Netanyahu defends Israel as delegates walk outPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza the "greatest lie of the century." Many delegates walked out for his General Assembly speech. Mahmoud Abbas also spoke via video.DW News · 24 Sept, 20:11
• UNGA: Gaza dominates agenda as Abbas, Netanyahu speakPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza the "greatest lie of the century." Many delegates walked out for his General Assembly speech. Mahmoud Abbas also spoke earlier. DW has more.DW News · 24 Sept, 20:11
• UNGA: Netanyahu defends Israel as delegates walk outPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza the "greatest lie of the century." Many delegates walked out for his General Assembly speech. Mahmoud Abbas also spoke via video.DW News · 24 Sept, 20:11
• Netanyahu calls genocide accusations ‘greatest lie in history’ after delegates walk out of UN speechTo view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Up Next Previous Page Next Page Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described accusations that Israel committed genocide as ‘the biggest lie of the century’ during an address to the…Metro · 24 Sept, 20:07
• Delegates walk out as Netanyahu addresses UN, and other Mideast developmentsIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the United Nations General Assembly, calling his decision to attack Iran as “one of the easiest” he's ever madeThe Independent · 24 Sept, 19:29
• Watch: UN delegates walk out of Netanyahu speechThe Israeli delegation could be be seen cheering in support during Netanyahu's speech.BBC News · 24 Sept, 19:29
• Boos and mass walkout for Netanyahu at UN as he rages at 'moral cowards'Dozens of delegates at the UN General Assembly left the chamber as Benjamin Netanyahu took to the stageThe Mirror · 24 Sept, 19:28
• Israel's Netanyahu set to hit back at widespread criticism in U.N. addressBenjamin Netanyahu is expected to focus on Iran, and on defending Israel's actions in Gaza and the West Bank amid condemnation from fellow leaders at the U.N.CBS News · 24 Sept, 15:46
• Netanyahu at UNGA over the yearsBenjamin Netanyahu says there will be surprises in his UN General Assembly address.Al Jazeera · 24 Sept, 14:35
• Netanyahu takes UN stage with one eye on Israel’s electionAs criticism of Israel intensifies, Israeli PM Netanyahu heads to the UN with his own political future in focus.Al Jazeera · 24 Sept, 09:40
• Benjamin Netanyahu to deliver defiant UN speech while facing protests and political isolationPrime minister will ‘highlight Israel’s achievements’ as he heads towards his toughest re-election challenge When he takes the stage at the UN on Thursday, Benjamin Netanyahu will deliver a familiar message of defiance even as protests and international condemnation leave the Israeli leader in growing isolation. Netanyahu is facing his toughest re-election challenge in a political career spanning decades with three ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran, and a growing campaign of violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank. Continue reading...The Guardian · 24 Sept, 09:00

In this story: Benjamin Netanyahu · Zohran Mamdani · United Nations · Israel · Gaza · Iran · New York

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log