Delegates Walk Out as Netanyahu Defends Iran Strikes

Dozens of delegates left the United Nations General Assembly chamber as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took the podium on September 24, prompting him to denounce those departing as “moral cowards” before defending Israel’s military actions, particularly its strikes on Iran. The walkout was visible across the hall, though reports did not establish a precise count or a complete list of participating delegations. The Palestinian Mission to the United Nations had urged member delegations to leave when Netanyahu began speaking, according to accounts of the event. Some delegates booed or jeered as others filed out. Netanyahu’s team and some remaining attendees applauded, while General Assembly President Khalilur Rahman repeatedly called for order. Netanyahu addressed the departing delegates directly, telling those still in the chamber that they could leave as well. Much of the speech focused on Iran. Netanyahu said attacking the country was one of the easiest decisions he had made as prime minister, and argued that the strikes prevented Tehran from developing nuclear weapons.