Netanyahu Faces UN Walkout, Protests During New York Visit

Dozens of delegates walked out as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the UN General Assembly, while hundreds of protesters demonstrated against Israel’s Gaza war outside the UN headquarters in New York.

By News Desk
By News Desk
Delegate walkout, protests greet Netanyahu as he addresses UN General Assembly

Dozens of delegates walked out of the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began his address, while hundreds of protesters gathered outside the UN headquarters in New York to oppose Israel’s policies and its war in Gaza.

The walkout and demonstrations came as Netanyahu sought to defend Israel’s military actions and counter growing international criticism ahead of Israel’s October 27 election. Reuters reported that the Israeli prime minister used his speech to challenge critics and present Israel’s position before the international community.

Delegates Leave During Netanyahu’s Speech

As Netanyahu approached the General Assembly podium, diplomats from several delegations left the chamber, leaving large sections of the hall empty.

Netanyahu responded by accusing his critics of hypocrisy and describing those who walked out as “moral cowards.” He rejected allegations that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza and defended the country’s military campaign against Hamas.

The prime minister also criticised Western governments over their positions on Israel and accused them of giving in to what he described as antisemitic pressure.

Netanyahu’s appearance at the UN came amid growing diplomatic criticism of Israel over its conduct in Gaza. His visit to New York was also unusually brief, with heightened security measures and protests expected around the UN headquarters.

Netanyahu Targets New York Mayor Mamdani

A significant portion of Netanyahu’s address focused on New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has sharply criticised Israel’s actions in Gaza.

Netanyahu referred to Mamdani as the “antisemitic mayor of New York” and accused him of spreading what the Israeli prime minister described as false claims about Israel.

Mamdani rejected Netanyahu’s comments after the speech, accusing the Israeli prime minister of using his UN appearance to defend his actions in Gaza. He also pointed to the International Criminal Court arrest warrant issued against Netanyahu and said the warrant alleges war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Mamdani had previously said that New York City lacked the authority to enforce the ICC warrant against Netanyahu.

The mayor had also hosted Palestinian families from Gaza at Gracie Mansion on Wednesday and planted an olive tree with them, saying, “May peace be our future.”

Hundreds Protest Outside UN

Outside the UN headquarters, hundreds of demonstrators gathered to protest Netanyahu’s visit and Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.

The protesters included Palestinian supporters, Jewish activists, human-rights campaigners, progressive Jewish organisations, politicians, artists and musicians. Several groups held separate demonstrations across Manhattan, reflecting different political and religious perspectives while sharing opposition to Netanyahu’s government.

Jewish Voice for Peace organised one of the largest direct actions near the UN. Protesters sat in the roadway, chanted against Netanyahu and called for an end to US support for Israel.

Police moved to clear the demonstrators after they blocked traffic. Reuters reported that more than 100 protesters were eventually taken into custody, while an earlier action resulted in at least 30 arrests.

Among those arrested or detained were actors Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder, congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier and New York City Council member Chi Ossé. Musicians Julien Baker and Lucy Dacus and actor Elliott Page also took part in the demonstrations.

Jewish Groups Hold Separate Rallies

The protests also highlighted divisions among Jewish organisations in New York over Netanyahu and Israel’s policies.

Progressive Jewish groups, including New York Jewish Agenda, T’ruah, J Street, New Jewish Narrative, New Israel Fund and Partners for Progressive Israel, held a separate rally near the UN.

Organisers said the demonstration was intended to provide an alternative voice for Jewish New Yorkers who opposed Netanyahu’s policies while continuing to express concern about Israel and Jewish security.

Pro-Netanyahu counter-protesters also gathered at the location, using whistles, megaphones and chants in support of the Israeli prime minister.

Meanwhile, the ultra-Orthodox anti-Zionist group Neturei Karta held its own demonstration, arguing that opposition to Israel should not automatically be equated with antisemitism.

Generational Divide Emerges

The demonstrations took place against the backdrop of changing American attitudes toward Israel and the Palestinians.

A Pew Research Center survey conducted in May 2026 found that only 18% of Americans aged 18 to 29 had a favourable view of the Israeli government, compared with 47% of those aged 65 and older. Among Americans aged 18 to 29, 58% expressed a favourable view of Palestinians, compared with 47% among those aged 65 and older.

The figures indicate a significant age divide in attitudes toward Israel, Palestinians and their respective political leadership.

Netanyahu Faces Pressure at Home and Abroad

Netanyahu’s UN appearance came as he faces pressure on both the international and domestic fronts.

The Israeli prime minister has sought to defend his government’s actions in Gaza while campaigning ahead of the October 27 election. His New York visit provided an international platform to present Israel’s position, but the walkout inside the UN and demonstrations outside highlighted the depth of opposition to his government.

For several hours, the General Assembly chamber and New York streets became parallel stages for the debate over Israel’s war in Gaza — one marked by diplomatic walkouts and the other by protests, arrests and competing demonstrations.

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