U.N. General Assembly: Netanyahu Faces Walkouts and Jeers in Speech to Global Leaders

Netanyahu Confronts Walkouts, Protests, and Pressure at U.N. General Assembly

Israeli Leader Meets Hostility on Global Stage

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel addressed the United Nations General Assembly on Friday morning, facing a hostile reception from dozens of delegates who left the chamber in protest. Many world leaders had just recently recognized a Palestinian state and demanded an end to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.

Israel’s U.N. ambassador, Danny Danon, dismissed the walkouts as “a staged performance,” saying the Israeli delegation had expected the protest.

Defiance Amid International Criticism

Netanyahu, under mounting criticism at home and abroad and facing war crimes charges from the International Criminal Court, pledged before his trip to “tell our truth.” In his speech, he condemned the recent wave of recognitions of Palestinian statehood — a move embraced this week by around 10 nations, including France, Britain, and Canada.

Some members of his right-wing coalition have responded by calling for the annexation of parts of the occupied West Bank, a stance that risks clashing with President Trump. Trump assured fellow leaders earlier this week that he would not allow such an outcome.

The Palestinian Statehood Debate

Netanyahu argued that recognizing Palestinian statehood effectively rewards Hamas for its October 7, 2023, assault on Israel, which triggered the Gaza war. While many Israelis share his view over security concerns, others — including freed hostages and families of those still held captive — have criticized the government’s ongoing ground offensive, saying it endangers lives. Israeli officials believe about 20 hostages remain alive in Gaza.

Wider International Reactions

Friday’s session also included China’s premier, Li Qiang, who addressed global tensions. Meanwhile, Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority spoke by video, offering to assume responsibility for governing Gaza, though Netanyahu has rejected any role for the authority there.

Arab states such as Jordan and Egypt have voiced growing unease, particularly after an Israeli strike targeting Hamas members in Qatar this month.

Netanyahu’s U.S. Agenda

Netanyahu is set to meet President Trump in Washington on Monday, marking their fourth encounter since Trump began his second term. The Israeli leader also reiterated warnings about Iran’s nuclear program and regional influence, presenting updated claims that the network of Hamas, Hezbollah, the Assad regime, and Yemen’s Houthis had been weakened.

A Circuitous Flight to New York

Netanyahu’s journey to New York attracted attention after flight-tracking data showed his plane avoided French and Spanish airspace, adding roughly an hour to the trip. Both countries, outspoken critics of Israel’s actions in Gaza, are signatories to the Rome Statute that underpins the International Criminal Court. The prime minister faces an ICC arrest warrant linked to alleged war crimes during the Gaza campaign.

Although French authorities granted permission for Israel’s official aircraft, the “Wing of Zion,” to pass through their skies, the flight detoured south over the Strait of Gibraltar. French diplomats later confirmed they were not informed of the reason for the change.

Mounting Diplomatic Isolation

The frosty reception in New York underscores Israel’s increasing diplomatic isolation as more countries align with Palestinian aspirations for statehood. Despite international pressure, Netanyahu signaled no intention of softening his stance, presenting himself as a leader determined to defy critics on the global stage.