Delegations walk out of Netanyahu’s U.N. speech
Dozens of delegations walked out as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took the podium at the United Nations, leaving the hall appearing roughly half empty. Netanyahu called those leaving “moral cowards.”
The walkout took place on Thursday at the U.N. General Debate in New York. Representatives from nearly all predominantly Arab and Muslim nations left the General Assembly hall together, joined by multiple African delegations.
Delegates from several European and Latin American countries also left their seats empty in protest.
“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,” Netanyahu said at the opening of his address.
He returned to the walkout while discussing Israel’s attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities, arguing that the operation had protected countries whose representatives refused to hear his speech.
“Devastating Iran’s nuclear facilities was hard. It was very hard to do. But for me, it was one of the easiest decisions I’ve ever had to make as prime minister. Because if we hadn’t done it, we’d all be dead,” he said.
Netanyahu claimed that some leaders whose delegations left had privately expressed gratitude to Israel.
“In fact, I want you to know that many of their leaders even thank us privately for taking out Iran’s nukes,” he said. “It’s hard to imagine more mind-blowing hypocrisy, but that’s exactly what it is.”
A U.N. commission of inquiry has previously accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. Israel has denied the accusation.
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Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
