Netanyahu Faces Walkout, Protest at UN

During the 81st UN General Assembly, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke while dozens of delegates walked out and hundreds of protesters gathered outside the UN in New York.

Delegates left large sections of the hall empty, contrasting with Netanyahu’s attempt to present Israel’s case. The walkout underscored the pressure he faces abroad over the Gaza conflict and at home ahead of an October 27 election.

Outside the building, protesters from diverse groups—including Jewish and Muslim activists, progressive Jewish organizations, and Palestinian supporters—blocked traffic and were arrested by police. The largest action was organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, drawing hundreds of demonstrators who wore white T‑shirts and chanted against Netanyahu.

Netanyahu also targeted New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, calling him “the antisemitic mayor of New York.” Mamdani responded that Netanyahu’s speech repeated baseless lies and that the ICC warrant against him could not be enforced by the city.