Netanyahu Brands Protesting UN Delegates 'Moral Cowards' After Mass Walkout

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded with sharp criticism to a mass walkout of delegates during his address at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, labeling those who departed as "moral cowards."

As Netanyahu took the stage, a significant number of delegates exited the chamber, with protests and chants audible. In response, Netanyahu addressed the situation directly, stating, "Before I begin, just a quick announcement, if there are any other moral cowards who haven't yet left this hall, please do so now," which was met with cheers from the remaining attendees.

During his speech, Netanyahu focused on the conflict in Iran, asserting that the decision to target Iran's nuclear facilities, though difficult, was crucial for Israel's survival. "Because if we hadn't done it, we'd all be dead," he stated. He further remarked on the perceived hypocrisy of some nations, saying, "In defending itself, Israel is also defending many of the countries whose delegates just left this hall. In fact, I want you to know that many of the leaders even thanked us privately for taking out Iran's nukes."

Netanyahu also directed his remarks toward external protesters and what he called "phony human rights protesters," questioning their silence on the Iranian government's actions against its own citizens. "Where were you when the Iranian tyrants butchered and maimed tens of thousands of unarmed Iranian civilians?" he asked. "Did you organize mass rallies, hunger strikes? Did you protest outside the Iranian mission to the UN?"

He highlighted Israel's ongoing challenges, describing a "seven front war" against adversaries including Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and various militias. "And for three years, seven fronts Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, Iran, militias in Iraq, militias in Syria, Palestinian terrorists in Judea, Samaria, they all ganged up on us to wipe us off the face of the earth, they failed," Netanyahu asserted.

The prime minister expressed gratitude for the support of former President Donald Trump, crediting him for "bold leadership" in confronting threats from Iran. "He understood that if left unchallenged, the fanatic ayatollahs who chant, 'Death to America, death to Israel,' would eventually carry out their mad fantasies," Netanyahu said.

Netanyahu also addressed what he termed the "war for truth," waged in media and social media, criticizing individuals such as New York City socialist council member Zohran Mamdani and influencer Hasan Piker. He directly challenged Mamdani, stating, "Mr. Mamdani, you try to stop me from coming here. You tried to silence me. Well, you can't silence me. You can't silence the truth."

The protests at the UN occurred amidst ongoing conflict in the Middle East and drew criticism from some international figures and activists. Demonstrators were also present outside the U.N. headquarters.