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Delegates Walk Out During Netanyahu’s UN General Assembly Speech
Several countries’ delegates left the United Nations hall when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began his speech.
Netanyahu said the people who left were “moral cowards.”
He told Jews around the world to be proud and not afraid.
He also warned about what he described as rising antisemitism.
Netanyahu criticised New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
He said some Jewish residents no longer feel safe in New York.
Mamdani has opposed Netanyahu’s appearance at the United Nations and previously called him a “genocide architect.”
Netanyahu denied that Israel committed genocide and said Israel had prevented one.
Delegates from several countries walked out as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began speaking at the 81st UN General Assembly.
Netanyahu called those who left “moral cowards” and invited other delegates to leave.
He urged Jews worldwide to reject intimidation and warned about what he described as rising antisemitism.
Netanyahu criticised New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani over his alleged associations and positions concerning Israel and Jewish communities.
Netanyahu rejected allegations of genocide, saying Israel had prevented genocide; Mamdani had previously called him a “genocide architect.”
- Who
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, delegates from several countries, and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
- What
- Delegates walked out during Netanyahu’s address, after which he criticised them and discussed antisemitism, Israel’s conduct, and Mamdani.
- Where
- The United Nations headquarters in New York City.
- When
- Thursday, September 24, 2026, during the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
- Why
- The articles report that delegates opposed Netanyahu’s address, while Netanyahu used the speech to defend Israel, address antisemitism, and criticise Mamdani.
Netanyahu’s Position
Mamdani’s Position
The UN walkout
Netanyahu’s Position
Netanyahu characterised delegates who left his speech as “moral cowards” and said they were avoiding the truth.
Mamdani’s Position
The article does not provide a detailed explanation from the departing delegates, but their walkout signalled opposition to Netanyahu’s address.
Israel and genocide allegations
Netanyahu’s Position
Netanyahu rejected allegations that Israel committed genocide and said Israel had prevented genocide.
Mamdani’s Position
Mamdani has repeatedly accused Netanyahu of responsibility for genocide, previously calling him a “genocide architect.”
Netanyahu’s UN appearance
Netanyahu’s Position
Netanyahu said Mamdani tried to prevent him from addressing the General Assembly and argued that he could not be silenced.
Mamdani’s Position
Mamdani had opposed Netanyahu’s presence at the UN General Assembly and earlier said Netanyahu should be arrested, though he later walked back that remark.
Safety and antisemitism in New York
Netanyahu’s Position
Netanyahu alleged that Jewish residents increasingly feel unsafe in New York because of Mamdani’s actions and associations.
Mamdani’s Position
The article presents Mamdani’s opposition to Netanyahu and his stated positions but does not include a direct response from him to Netanyahu’s safety allegations.
Key facts
- Event
- 81st United Nations General Assembly
- Speaker
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
- Location
- United Nations headquarters, New York City
- Date
- September 24, 2026
- Walkout
- Delegates from several countries left the hall as Netanyahu began speaking.
- Netanyahu’s response
- He called the departing delegates “moral cowards.”
- Disputed issue
- Netanyahu rejected allegations of genocide against Israel, while Mamdani had called him a “genocide architect.”
Quotes
Benjamin Netanyahu
Israeli prime minister addressing the UN General Assembly
“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. Thank you very much.”
rediff.com
“Today, we have a state. Today, we have an army. Today, we have a people ready and willing to defend ourselves.”
rediff.com





