In a stunning display of international discord, dozens of diplomats staged a coordinated walkout as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took the podium at the United Nations General Assembly on Friday.
The mass exodus left swathes of empty seats across the assembly hall as Netanyahu delivered a defiant address declaring Israel “must finish the job” against Hamas in Gaza.
Coordinated Protest Leaves Assembly Half-Empty
The walkout began the moment Netanyahu’s name was announced, with delegations from Arab, African, and European nations rising from their seats en masse. Video footage showed long queues of diplomats streaming toward the exits as the Israeli leader prepared to speak.
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Palestinian Authority representatives had actively encouraged the protest in the days leading up to the speech. In messages seen by international media, the Palestinian UN mission urged countries to “join the walkout by a majority of delegations” when “Israeli war criminal Netanyahu is set to speak.”
The coordinated effort aimed to send a powerful message of international disapproval over Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza and Lebanon, which has drawn widespread condemnation globally.
Netanyahu Presses On Despite Empty Seats
Undeterred by the dramatic exodus, Netanyahu proceeded with his speech to a significantly reduced audience. The US delegation notably remained seated and applauded as he began speaking, highlighting the deep divisions within the international community.
Key points from Netanyahu’s address included:
- Declaration that Israel “must finish the job” in Gaza against Hamas
- Rejection of calls for a two-state solution with Palestine
- Direct appeal to hostages held in Gaza via loudspeakers placed along the border
- Condemnation of countries that recently recognised Palestinian statehood
“We surrounded Gaza with massive loudspeakers connected to this microphone in the hope that our dear hostages will hear my message,” Netanyahu stated during his speech.
Unprecedented Broadcasting Operation
In an unusual move, the Israeli military positioned loudspeakers along the Gaza border to broadcast Netanyahu’s UN speech directly to Palestinians in the enclave. The Prime Minister’s Office described this as a “public diplomacy effort” designed to reach both hostages and Hamas operatives.
The Israeli army deployed trucks with loudspeakers in Gaza to broadcast Netanyahu’s UN speech
Israeli intelligence also claimed to be live-streaming the speech on mobile devices across Gaza, marking what they called an “unprecedented operation.”
However, families of Israeli hostages criticised this decision, with some expressing concern that their loved ones might be forced to hear political rhetoric while in captivity.
Growing International Isolation
The walkout represents the latest manifestation of Netanyahu’s increasing international isolation. The Israeli leader faces an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for alleged war crimes, which he vehemently denies.
This week alone, multiple Western nations including the UK, France, Canada, and Australia formally recognised Palestinian statehood – a move Netanyahu has strongly condemned as “giving a huge prize to terrorism.”
Recent developments include:
- Ten countries recognising Palestinian statehood this week
- EU proposals for sanctions on Israel over Gaza operations
- Growing calls for ceasefires from international leaders
- Mounting humanitarian crisis in Gaza with projected famine conditions
Strategic Timing and Political Stakes
Netanyahu’s UN appearance comes ahead of his scheduled Monday meeting with US President Donald Trump, who has publicly stated he will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank. This represents a potential friction point between the two leaders, given pressure from Netanyahu’s far-right coalition partners for such action.
The Israeli PM’s domestic political situation remains precarious, with ongoing protests at home demanding a hostage deal and his resignation. Hundreds of demonstrators gathered at Ben Gurion Airport to protest as he departed for New York.
Trump indicated Thursday that a Gaza ceasefire deal was “pretty close,” following discussions with Netanyahu and regional leaders. However, Netanyahu’s defiant UN stance suggests little immediate compromise on Israel’s military objectives.
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Global Diplomatic Implications
The visual impact of the mass walkout will likely reverberate through international diplomatic circles, reinforcing Netanyahu’s isolation on the world stage. Israeli UN Ambassador Danny Danon dismissed the protest as “cheap stunts” and “theatrics,” claiming Palestinian representatives filled the hall with junior staff to create misleading optics.
However, the widespread participation across multiple regional and political blocs suggests genuine international frustration with Israel’s military campaign, which has resulted in significant civilian casualties in Gaza.
The dramatic scenes at the UN highlight the deepening chasm between Israel and much of the international community, with little sign of diplomatic reconciliation on the horizon.
