Netanyahu's UN Speech Met With Walkouts and Sharp Rebuke

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address at the UN General Assembly in New York was dramatically interrupted as dozens of delegates walked out of the hall, some shouting derisively, at the start of his speech. Members of the Israeli delegation responded with chants of "Am Yisrael Chai" (The people of Israel live).

Netanyahu addressed those who remained, stating, "If there are moral cowards here who haven't yet left the hall, please do so now." He then focused on Iran's nuclear program, asserting, "Damaging Iran's nuclear infrastructure was difficult, but for me, it was one of the easiest decisions as prime minister. Because if I hadn't done it, we would all be dead." He argued that Israel, by defending itself, was also protecting countries whose representatives had chosen to leave, calling the situation "crazy hypocrisy" as many leaders privately thanked Israel.

A notable presence amidst the walkouts was the representative from the United Arab Emirates, who remained in the hall.