Netanyahu defends Israel in U.N. speech after several diplomats walk out

Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister, addressed the UN General Assembly on September 26, 2026, despite facing significant criticism and protests from both within and outside the assembly hall. Netanyahu accused New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani of supporting Hamas terrorists and called him a war criminal, threatening to expose Mamdani during his speech at the UN. Mamdani had previously vowed to arrest Netanyahu if he visited New York but later admitted that he lacked the authority to do so.

Netanyahu's appearance came amid growing international condemnation over alleged Israeli war crimes in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. Over 70 countries boycotted Netanyahu’s speech, staging a walkout during his address to highlight their disapproval. However, according to Israel’s UN ambassador Danny Danon, more than 100 delegations actually stayed in the room.

The incident underscores Netanyahu's political isolation as he faces an upcoming election in October 2026 and declining support for Israel among US voters. Polls indicate a loss of faith in Netanyahu domestically, with sixty percent of Americans now having an unfavorable view of Israel compared to forty-two percent in 2022. Meanwhile, Israeli forces continued controversial actions such as dropping "skunk water" on Palestinians in Gaza and demolishing homes in the West Bank.