Netanyahu UN Speech Spurs Walkouts, Mass Protests

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to the U.N. General Assembly in New York was accompanied by an Israeli public-diplomacy campaign — including billboards, mobile trucks and a QR-code lapel linking to documentation of the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks and hostages — underscoring the visit's focus on Hamas atrocities. In the speech he rejected recent recognitions of an independent Palestinian state, called the two-state idea "insane" and likened such recognition to empowering terrorists, prompting dozens of diplomatic walkouts — reportedly more than 100 diplomats from over 50 countries. Netanyahu defended Israel's actions in Gaza and warned of regional threats, while U.S. President Donald Trump said he would prevent any West Bank annexation pending further talks. Thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered in Times Square and marched to the U.N., waving Palestinian flags and "Free Palestine" signs, and were met by heavy police presence, kettling and several arrests. The demonstrations and on-floor walkouts highlighted deep international divisions over Israel's conduct in Gaza amid protesters' references to a mounting Palestinian civilian death toll.