New York. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UN) began amid protests. As soon as Netanyahu reached the stage on Thursday, representatives and diplomats from several countries walked out of the hall in protest. After this, Netanyahu described the walkouts as 'moral cowards' and said that if there is any such person left in the hall, he should also go out. Multiple reports have said dozens of delegates walked out of the hall.
After the walkout, many seats in the Mahasabha Hall were seen vacant. At the same time, some people present in the hall clapped in support of Netanyahu and raised slogans in Hebrew 'Am Israel Chai' i.e. 'The people of Israel are alive'. During his address, Netanyahu took aim at the countries carrying out the walkout and claimed that the leaders of some of these countries had personally thanked Israel for Israel's military action against Iran. This was Netanyahu's claim.
Defense of military action against Iran
In a nearly 40-minute address, Netanyahu defended Israel's military action against Iran. He described the attack on Iran's nuclear facilities as one of the easiest decisions he took as Prime Minister. He said that if Israel had not taken action, the situation could have been very serious. He also mentioned the joint action of America and Israel and praised US President Donald Trump.
Netanyahu said Israel was also protecting the countries whose representatives walked out of the hall during his speech. He claimed that leaders of several countries had personally supported Israel in taking action against Iran's nuclear capabilities. There is no independent confirmation of this claim in the available reports.
Rejects allegations of genocide in Gaza
Netanyahu rejected allegations of genocide being made due to Israel's military action in Gaza. He said that Israel did not commit genocide, but according to him Israel has stopped the genocide. He defended the Israeli military operation, calling the action against Hamas a part of its security.
Zohran Mamdani also targeted
Netanyahu also targeted New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani. He criticized Mamdani's statements related to Israel and Gaza and accused him of spreading misinformation against Israel. Mamdani had earlier called Netanyahu a 'war criminal' and made serious allegations regarding Israel's action in Gaza. Netanyahu rejected these allegations.
Protests outside the UN also
Demonstrations also took place outside the United Nations headquarters during Netanyahu's address. The protesters protested against Israel's military action in Gaza and Netanyahu's policies. His visit to New York comes at a time when international criticism continues over Israel's policies in Gaza and the West Bank.
Praise for Trump, emphasis on America-Israel partnership
In his speech, Netanyahu described US President Donald Trump as an important ally of Israel. Referring to American and Israeli actions against Iran, he said that both the countries have together faced major threats. He also praised Trump's leadership.
Netanyahu's address focused on issues related to the security of Iran, Gaza, the West Bank and Israel. However, the walkout of dozens of delegates at the beginning of the speech was the main scene of this entire incident.