Dozens of UN delegates walked out in protest as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began his speech at the UN General Assembly on Friday. The walkout occurred just as Netanyahu started speaking, with many delegates silently exiting the hall. Despite the protest, cheers and applause could still be heard from those who remained, although it was unclear if the reaction was for Netanyahu or the walkout itself.
This year’s UN General Assembly takes place amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which began in October last year. Several world leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, used their speeches to call for peace, urging both Israel and its adversaries, including Hamas and Hezbollah, to de-escalate the violence.
Netanyahu Continues Amid Protests
Despite the wave of walkouts, Netanyahu continued his speech, stating, “I didn’t intend to come here this year. My country is at war, fighting for its life.” He explained that he decided to attend the General Assembly after hearing what he described as “lies and slander” against Israel from other world leaders. “I decided to come here and set the record straight,” he added, to applause from those still present.
Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s commitment to peace, saying, “Israel seeks peace. Israel yearns for peace. Israel has made peace and will make peace again.” He positioned the conflict as a fight for survival, referencing Israel’s battle with Hamas and other Iran-backed militant groups like Hezbollah and the Houthis.
The Gaza Conflict and Regional Tensions
The conflict between Israel and Hamas escalated last year when the Iran-backed militant group launched a deadly attack on Israeli soil, killing 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostages. In response, Israel declared war, launching airstrikes and a ground invasion of Gaza in an attempt to neutralise Hamas. Local authorities report that nearly 40,000 Palestinians have been killed over the past year.
Netanyahu claimed that Israel is now fighting on multiple fronts, including attacks from Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and Shiite militias in Syria and Iraq. Despite these challenges, he stated, “Israel is winning,” and warned that there is no place in Iran where Israel’s “long arm” cannot reach.
Maps and Accusations
During his speech, Netanyahu displayed two maps of the Middle East, controversially showing Gaza and the West Bank as part of Israel. He highlighted Israel’s improving relations with countries like Egypt, Sudan, and Saudi Arabia, which he described as a “blessing,” while condemning Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon as a “curse.”
Netanyahu also insisted that Hamas must not be allowed to remain in Gaza after the war, claiming Israel has killed or captured “more than half” of the group’s members. He further accused the UN and the International Criminal Court, which is considering charges against him, of “pure antisemitism.”
UK Relations with Israel
The walkout came as tensions between Israel and the UK continue to rise. Earlier this week, the UK joined international calls for a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. Netanyahu also criticised the UK’s decision to suspend 30 arms export licences to Israel, calling it a “shameful” move that would “embolden Hamas.”
Although UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer reportedly sought a meeting with Netanyahu at the UN, scheduling conflicts prevented it from happening. A planned meeting between Starmer and Israel’s strategic affairs minister, Ron Dermer, was also delayed due to Dermer’s late arrival in New York.
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