Hundreds Walk Out During Netanyahu UN Speech

On Sept. 26 in New York, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the U.N. General Assembly, drawing a mass walkout that left the chamber nearly empty and produced viral video. In a defiant speech he said Israel has 'crushed the bulk' of Hamas's 'terror machine,' vowed to 'finish the job,' celebrated recent strategic operations, and denounced moves by some leaders to recognize a Palestinian state as rewarding terror. Netanyahu directly appealed to hostages held in Gaza, broadcast parts of his remarks toward the territory, said the war could end if Hamas disarmed and freed captives, and warned Hamas leaders they would be hunted if they did not comply. His address came amid mounting international accusations of war crimes and possible genocide and heavy civilian tolls in Gaza (reports cite roughly 60,000–65,000 Palestinian deaths since Oct. 7, 2023), and has intensified diplomatic isolation and legal scrutiny including at the ICC and ICJ. The walkout and downgraded representation — though some delegations, including the U.S., remained present at lower seniority levels — underline growing diplomatic pressure on Israel and recent recognitions of Palestinian statehood.