Netanyahu’s UN Speech Draws Walkout and Condemnations

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a confrontational address to the United Nations General Assembly, attacking opponents and some Western partners as dozens of envoys left the chamber, according to AFP. Netanyahu, campaigning ahead of Israel’s October 27 election, criticised Iran, Turkey, Britain and France, as well as New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani. He described Iran’s government as a “murderous dictatorship” and said Israel’s military campaign had prevented Tehran from developing nuclear weapons.

The supplied report says Iran’s government remains in control and continues to block the Strait of Hormuz. Netanyahu accused Mamdani of antisemitism and said many Jews no longer felt safe in New York since his election as mayor. Mamdani responded that Netanyahu had repeated “baseless lies” and referred to the International Criminal Court’s 2024 finding of reasonable grounds to believe Netanyahu was responsible for war crimes in Gaza.

Netanyahu denies the allegations. The Israeli leader also criticised Britain and France over their opposition to Israel and their limited sanctions on exports from the occupied West Bank. He attacked Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and displayed a pager similar to devices reportedly used in an operation against Hezbollah operatives.

Turkey’s communications director rejected Netanyahu’s remarks as baseless. Dozens of diplomats walked out, while others jeered or booed. The session’s speaker called for order, and Netanyahu challenged those remaining to leave.

Demonstrators carrying “stop the genocide” banners gathered nearby, and several people, including actor Susan Sarandon, were detained. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was unable to attend after the Trump administration refused him a visa. A video message said the decision and its stated justifications were unlawful.