Delegates Walk Out During Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Speech at the United Nations

At the United Nations General Assembly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended Israel’s military actions in Iran, Gaza, and the broader Middle East, declaring, ‘We will win.’ Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, addressing via a video message, described the situation in Gaza as a ‘war of genocide’ and warned that the expansion of Jewish settlements in the West Bank threatens the two-state solution. Protests against Netanyahu’s speech in New York led to the arrest of numerous individuals, including actresses Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder.

October 9, Kathmandu – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a robust defense of Israeli military operations in Iran, Gaza, and other Middle Eastern areas during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly. Dozens of country representatives exited the assembly hall in protest during his address. After the delegates left, Netanyahu stated, ‘We will win. We have no other choice.’ He continued, ‘If there are any other men of conscience here, please leave now.’ Netanyahu also rejected allegations that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza.

Earlier, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas spoke via a video message, highlighting that Israeli policies threaten the land and existence of the Palestinian people. Unable to secure a U.S. visa, Abbas delivered his address through a video link. He highlighted that the illegal expansion of Jewish settlements in the West Bank jeopardizes the two-state solution. Abbas accused Israeli forces in Gaza of waging a ‘war of killing, destruction, starvation, displacement, and genocide.’

Netanyahu sharply criticized countries and leaders opposing Israel. He targeted the United Kingdom and France, stating they were attempting to put the ‘small Israel on trial for colonialism.’ Addressing Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Netanyahu accused him of supporting Hamas and condemned him as a dictator. Erdoğan had earlier remarked on Tuesday that the injustices occurring in Gaza and the West Bank inflict ‘deep wounds on the conscience of humanity.’

Netanyahu also censured New York City’s progressive Mayor, Jumaane Williams, saying, ‘Since you became mayor, many Jews no longer feel safe in New York.’ Previously, Williams’ office had warned Netanyahu of making ‘baseless lies’ to cover up his alleged genocide.

Moreover, Netanyahu praised U.S. President Donald Trump’s ‘brave leadership’ during the joint airstrike on Iran in February of this year. He remarked, ‘Israel and America have worked together not only to protect themselves but to save civilization.’

In New York, protests against Netanyahu’s presence resulted in the detention of numerous demonstrators, including Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon and Emmy-winning actress Hannah Einbinder. On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched an attack on Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages. According to the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry, over 73,920 people have died in Gaza since then. Last year, leading global genocide experts declared the Israeli actions in Gaza as genocide under United Nations conventions. Israel denies these claims, asserting that its operations are acts of self-defense.

On February 28, in response to concerns that Iran was secretly developing nuclear weapons, Israel and the United States conducted a joint airstrike on Iran. Subsequently, Iran retaliated by launching missile and drone attacks on Gulf countries hosting Israeli and American military bases.