Delegates Walk Out As Netanyahu Addresses UN General Assembly

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Delegates from several countries staged a walkout at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Thursday as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began his address.

The protest echoed a similar demonstration during Netanyahu’s speech at the UNGA session last year.

While many diplomats left the chamber, some remained in the hall and applauded the Israeli prime minister. A section of those who stayed also chanted “Am Yisrael Chai,” which translates to “The people of Israel live”.

Netanyahu responded by attacking those who walked out, describing them as “moral cowards”.

“If there are any other moral cowards who haven’t yet left this hall, please do so now,” Netanyahu said.

The Israeli leader also defended Israel’s military action against Iran, arguing that the operation was necessary to prevent a greater threat.

He said that if Israel had not carried out the strikes, “we’d all be dead”.

“Devastating Iran’s nuclear facilities was hard. It was very hard to do. But for me, it was one of the easiest decisions I’ve ever had to make as prime minister,” he said.

Netanyahu further claimed that the collapse of the Iranian government was “only a matter of time”.

He said the Iranian people “will be free” one day.

The Israeli prime minister also criticised European countries over their decision to impose sanctions on Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.

During the address, Netanyahu also criticised Turkish President Recep Erdoğan, whom he described as a “tyrant” who hosts Hamas leaders.