UN Assembly: Delegates Exit En Masse as Netanyahu Targets Mamdani

During Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to the 81st United Nations General Assembly held in New York on Thursday, a significant number of delegates exited the hall. Reports from Hindustan Times on Friday indicated that this mass departure was instigated by the Palestinian Mission to the UN, whose own representatives were slated to speak later that day. As Mr. Netanyahu commenced his speech, attendees began to depart, prompting cheers from his supporters within the venue, who heard him label those leaving as “phony human rights protesters.”

The Prime Minister did not mince words, challenging the departing delegates by asking, “Where were you when the Iranian tyrants butchered and maimed tens of thousands of unarmed Iranian civilians?” He further provoked them, stating, “If there are any other moral cowards who haven’t yet left this hall, please do so now.”

While a definitive roster of all nations whose representatives staged a walkout during Mr. Netanyahu’s address was not officially released, various media outlets confirmed the departure of 'dozens' of delegates. Photographic evidence from the convention centre revealed numerous unoccupied seats, notably those designated for Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tunisia, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Algeria, Iran, Malaysia, Montenegro, Kyrgyzstan, Jordan, Libya, the Marshall Islands, and Mauritius. Hindustan Times, however, clarified that despite these empty seats, several of these countries still maintained at least one delegate present, while others had fully withdrawn in an act of protest.

Beyond the diplomatic walkout, Prime Minister Netanyahu also directed criticism towards New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani during his UNGA presentation. Mayor Mamdani is known for his vocal opposition to Mr. Netanyahu and Israel's military operations in both Gaza and the West Bank. Prior to the Prime Minister's speech, Mamdani had disseminated a video depicting him planting an olive tree, a significant Palestinian cultural emblem, at Gracie Mansion, the official mayoral residence. The video additionally featured him sharing a meal with a Palestinian family.

Addressing Mayor Mamdani directly, Netanyahu declared, “Mr. Mamdani, you tried to stop me from coming here,” adding, “You tried to silence me. Well, you can’t silence me, you can’t silence the truth. And here’s the simple truth. Israel didn’t commit genocide. Israel prevented genocide.” He further asserted, “The lies you and other antisemites spread about the Jews and the Jewish state have real consequences.” The complete transcript of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s address at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York was also made available.