Diplomatic walkout during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's UN speech

On September 24, 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced a mass walkout by dozens of diplomatic delegations as he took the podium at the United Nations General Assembly. In response to the departing officials, Netanyahu addressed the remaining attendees by stating, "If there are any other cowards, leave now," while members of the Israeli delegation cheered for him.

This incident mirrors a similar protest last year when several delegations left the chamber during his approach to the podium. The event occurs against the backdrop of increasing diplomatic isolation for Israel, which has been under international scrutiny since the start of the conflict in Gaza nearly three years ago, following the Hamas-led attacks. Netanyahu, who holds the record for the longest tenure as Israel's prime minister, has frequently used UN platforms for visual presentations, particularly to warn against Iran's nuclear program. Currently, the Prime Minister faces significant travel restrictions to various countries due to the ongoing international backlash resulting from the war.