Dozens of delegates walk out as Netanyahu denounces ‘moral cowards’ at UN
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced a mass walkout of UN delegates during his speech, during which he labeled the departing officials 'moral cowards.' The protest was organized by the Palestinian Mission to the UN to signal opposition to Israel's military actions in Gaza.
Why it matters
The event underscores the deep international diplomatic divide regarding the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the isolation of Israeli leadership in global forums.
Israeli prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu denounced as “moral cowards” a mass of delegates who walked out of the UN General Assembly when he took to the podium to speak.
“In defending itself, Israel is also defending many of the countries whose delegates just left this hall,” Netanyahu said.
“In fact, I want you to know that many of their leaders even thank us privately for taking out Iran’s nukes.”
Dozens of envoys from across the world walked out as Netanyahu began to speak.
A Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson confirmed that Ireland maintained a presence during the speech.
“Ireland has been represented in the UN General Assembly for all national statements during high-level week, even when these are being delivered by representatives of governments with which we vehemently disagree.”
Netanyahu was greeted with a mix of cheers and boos as scores of delegates left, leaving a majority of seats empty.
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