Walkout, Condemnation Meet Netanyahu’s UN Address

Empty Seats Speak Volumes: Diplomats Walk Out and Boo Netanyahu’s UN Speech in a Dramatic Protest.

Walkout, Condemnation Meet Netanyahu’s UN Address

By Bing Jabadan – TheNationWeek.Com | September 26, 2025

NEW YORK – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced a tumultuous reception at the United Nations General Assembly on Friday (Sept. 26, 2025) as representatives from various nations staged a walkout in protest of his address.

The move underscored Israel’s growing isolation amid ongoing international condemnation of its military actions in Gaza and the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrant against Netanyahu for alleged crimes against humanity and genocide.

Netanyahu, who has been repeatedly criticized as a war criminal by other world leaders during the assembly, used his platform to deliver a defiant defense of Israel’s actions.

“We’re not done yet,” Netanyahu declared. “The final elements, the final remnants of Hamas are holed up in Gaza City… That is why Israel must finish the job; that is why we want to do so as fast as possible.”

Message to Gaza, Hostages, and Hamas

Hours before his speech, Netanyahu’s office announced that his address would be broadcast via loudspeakers directed towards Gaza from the Israeli border.

He directly addressed the roughly 20 hostages believed to be alive in Gaza, assuring them, “We have not forgotten you.”

“We will not falter, and we will not rest until we bring all of you home,” he said.

Netanyahu claimed his speech was being streamed to Gazan cellphones, delivering a stark ultimatum to Hamas leaders.

“Lay down your arms, let my people go, free the hostages… If you do, you will live. If you don’t, Israel will hunt you down.”

Claims of Military Successes

Brandishing a map previously used to illustrate threats from Iran, Netanyahu claimed successful military and counterterrorism campaigns over the past year, marking them off with a black marker.

He cited actions against the Houthis, Hamas, and Hezbollah, crediting President Donald Trump for assisting in strikes against Iranian nuclear sites in June and eliminating “a mortal threat to the civilized world.”

**Rebuke to Palestinian State Supporters**

Netanyahu also addressed countries that have formally recognized an independent Palestinian state.

“When the most savage terrorists on Earth are effusively praising your decision, you didn’t do something right; you did something wrong, horribly wrong. It will be a mark of shame on all of you,” he declared.

Protests and Isolation

Beyond the walkout, Netanyahu faced protests in New York, including demonstrations by family members of hostages held in Gaza, urging prioritization of their release.

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, in his own address, labeled Israel a “rogue government” and condemned its actions.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres also decried the war in Gaza, calling on Israel to comply with the International Court of Justice as measures to prevent genocide.

ICC Warrant, Travel Route

The ICC’s arrest warrant against Netanyahu has seemingly impacted his travel, with flight data indicating an indirect route to New York, avoiding the airspace of countries that could enforce the warrant.

Neither Israel nor the United States is a party to the Rome Statute establishing the ICC.

Meeting with Trump

Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with President Trump in Washington, marking their fourth face-to-face encounter since Trump’s return to the White House.

Discussions are expected to focus on potential Israeli retaliatory actions in response to the growing international support for a Palestinian state.

While Trump and Netanyahu maintain a close alliance, the meeting comes amid diverging agendas, particularly regarding the potential annexation of the West Bank, which Trump has vowed to prevent.

The US president also expressed renewed hope for an agreement to resolve the conflict and secure the hostages’ release.