UN Assembly Disarray: The atmosphere inside the United Nations General Assembly turned volatile on Thursday as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took the podium.
In a floor-shaking high-stakes address, Netanyahu confronted a dramatic mass walkout by international envoys, launched scathing attacks on local political figures and global critics, and reaffirmed Israel’s uncompromising military posture across the Middle East.
Here is a full breakdown of the chaotic event, key statements, and the intense fallout inside and outside the UN headquarters.
The Drama on the Floor: Walkout, Jeers, and “Moral Cowards”
UN Assembly Disarray: As Prime Minister Netanyahu walked toward the podium, representatives from around 75 nations, led by the Palestinian delegation and joined by multiple Arab, African, European, and Asian member states, stood up, jeered, and exited the assembly hall in protest.
The exodus left large sections of the chamber virtually empty. Following a brief pause amid the uproar, Netanyahu stood silent for nearly three minutes as the President of the General Assembly attempted to restore order.
Turning directly toward the remaining audience and empty seats, Netanyahu delivered a sharp jab:
“Before I begin, I have a quick announcement: if there are any other moral cowards who haven’t left this hall, please do so now.”
Despite the widespread boycott on the floor, the balcony galleries were packed with enthusiastic pro-Israel supporters. They greeted the Israeli Prime Minister with loud applause and chants of “Am Yisrael Chai” (“The People of Israel Live”), creating a stark contrast inside the chamber.
Defense of Military Campaigns: “We Fought Like Lions”
UN Assembly Disarray: Addressing the core theme of his speech, Netanyahu fiercely defended Israel’s ongoing operations in Gaza, recalling the devastating attacks of October 7, 2023.
Refuting Genocide Claims: Netanyahu firmly rejected accusations of genocide levied against Israel at international courts, labeling them the “biggest lie of the 21st century.” He argued that Israel’s military campaign aims to eradicate Hamas terrorism while actively trying to prevent atrocities against civilians.
Resilience: Expressing defiance, Netanyahu stated that enemies expected Israel to crumble under pressure, but “we rose and fought like lions.”
Regional Operations: Pagers, Iran, and Starlink Displays
Netanyahu used physical props and bold political declarations to underline Israel’s covert and military capabilities across the Middle East.
Reminding Hezbollah: Referencing the tactical sabotage operations in Lebanon, Netanyahu taunted Hezbollah by asking: “Do you remember the pagers? I am sure Hezbollah does.”
Targeting Tehran: Highlighting the threat of Iranian ballistic missiles, he questioned how the UN would react if a heavy warhead hit the assembly building. He dubbed Iranian leadership “the tyrants of Tehran.”
Starlink Props for Iranian Delegates: Holding up a Starlink satellite internet device, Netanyahu announced he would leave the unit behind for the Iranian delegation, so Iranian diplomats or defectors could bypass state censorship and communicate freely on social media.
During Netanyahu’s speech, the Iranian delegation’s assigned seats were left empty. In a symbolic gesture of protest, a photograph of Qasem Soleimani, the former commander of Iran’s Quds Force killed in a 2020 US drone strike, was visibly placed at their table.
Local & International Clashes: Attack on NYC Mayor and Praise for Trump
In an unprecedented move for a foreign leader at the UN podium, Netanyahu directed personal criticism at the host city’s leadership.
Feud with NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani: Netanyahu explicitly targeted New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, accusing him of harboring anti-Israel rhetoric and making Jewish residents in the city feel unsafe.
He further accused the Mayor and his inner circle of amplifying anti-Israel posts online. Netanyahu boldly asserted that the era of Jews being defenseless victims is over: “Today we have a state. Today we have an army.”
Praise for Donald Trump: In contrast to his criticism of local and European leaders, Netanyahu praised Donald Trump for standing up for civilization and aiding diplomatic and rescue efforts for hostages.
Street Protests & Mass Arrests Outside UN Headquarters
While Netanyahu spoke inside, security forces outside faced heavy unrest on the streets of Manhattan.
Street Blockades: Hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered near First Avenue, carrying signs reading “Zionism is Terrorism” and displaying giant, blood-stained cutouts of the Israeli leader.
Police Crackdown: New York City Police officers intervened when protesters blocked major intersections and traffic routes near the UN perimeter. Dozens of demonstrators were zip-tied and loaded onto police buses for obstruction of public roadways.