Netanyahu condemns walkouts, defends Iran strikes, and attacks Erdogan at UN
Dozens of diplomats walked out of the 81st UN General Assembly as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended strikes against Iran and rejected Gaza genocide allegations.
Diplomatic walkout and hall reaction
As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approached the podium at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on 24 September 2026, dozens of national delegations walked out of the main hall in protest. Outside the United Nations headquarters, demonstrators rallied while foreign officials voiced objections inside the chamber. In contrast, Israeli delegates and guests seated in the upper gallery cheered in support, chanting slogans including "Am Yisrael Chai". Netanyahu condemned the departing diplomats directly from the lectern, describing them as moral cowards and accusing them of hypocrisy. He stated that leaders from several countries that staged walkouts had privately thanked him for Israel's military actions.
If there are other cowards who want to leave the hall and have not done so yet, please leave.
- Dozens of diplomatic delegations walk out of the hall as supporters chant from the gallery.
- Netanyahu defends strikes on nuclear facilities and displays a Starlink device for Iran.
- Netanyahu attacks Turkish President Erdogan and rejects Syrian claims over the Golan Heights.
- The 40-minute address concludes following condemnations of European colonial criticism.
Defense of strikes on Iran and Starlink display
During his 40-minute address, Netanyahu defended joint operations with the United States and Israel's strikes targeting Iran's nuclear facilities. He referenced his speech from 14 years earlier when he drew a red line regarding Tehran's atomic program, asserting that military action was necessary to avert destruction. Netanyahu stated that the Iranian population would soon overthrow the government in Tehran. In a symbolic gesture during the address, he held up a Starlink satellite internet device, stating he was leaving it for the Iranian delegation so Iranian citizens could access social media platforms.
The destruction of Iran's nuclear facilities was difficult. It was very difficult to do. But for me, it was one of the easiest decisions I ever had to make as prime minister, because if we hadn't done it, we would all be dead!
Confrontation with New York City mayor and Western allies
Netanyahu directed sharp criticism at New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, accusing him of antisemitism and asserting that Jewish residents no longer felt safe in the city. Netanyahu rejected genocide allegations related to the war in Gaza, where the health ministry reports that more than 73,920 people have been killed, labelling the accusations as false. Mamdani issued a response statement, stating that Netanyahu used the United Nations rostrum to whitewash genocide and pointing to the outstanding International Criminal Court arrest warrant against the prime minister. Netanyahu also responded to European criticisms, specifically rebuking Britain and France for accusing Israel of colonialism.
Mr. Mamdani, you tried to silence me, but the truth is not silenced: Israel did not commit genocide, it prevented genocide.
Rebukes of Turkey and Syria
Turning to regional powers, Netanyahu labelled Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan a tyrant. He accused Turkey of harboring Hamas leaders, killing thousands of Kurdish civilians, denying the Armenian Genocide, imprisoning journalists, illegally occupying northern Cyprus, and violating international law against Greece. He dismissed Erdogan's statements regarding control over Jerusalem, stating that the city belongs to Israel. Addressing Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who asserted that the Golan Heights remain Syrian territory, Netanyahu countered that Jewish presence in the Golan dates back to biblical times.
