NEW YORK: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced a diplomatic walkout and widespread protests in New York on Thursday as he addressed the United Nations General Assembly amid international criticism over Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
Dozens of delegates left the General Assembly chamber as Netanyahu took the podium, leaving large sections of the hall empty. Netanyahu responded by accusing those who walked out of hypocrisy and described them as “moral cowards.”
During his speech, Netanyahu rejected allegations that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza and defended the country’s military operations. He also defended Israel’s strikes against Iran and warned that Iran’s current leadership would eventually face political change.
A significant portion of Netanyahu’s address focused on New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, whom he accused of spreading false claims about Israel. Netanyahu referred to Mamdani as the “antisemitic mayor of New York” and criticised his opposition to Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Mamdani responded after the speech, reiterating his criticism of Israel’s military campaign and disputing Netanyahu’s allegations. The exchange marked another escalation in the public dispute between the Israeli prime minister and the New York mayor.
Netanyahu’s brief visit to New York also coincided with demonstrations across Manhattan. Jewish and Muslim activists, Palestinian supporters, human-rights campaigners, progressive Jewish organisations, politicians and artists participated in separate protests opposing Netanyahu’s government and Israel’s conduct in Gaza.
Police arrested protesters during demonstrations outside the UN headquarters. Reports said the number of arrests later rose to around 100, with actors, politicians and other public figures among those detained.
Among those arrested were actors Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder, according to reports. Other prominent figures also participated in demonstrations calling for an end to US military support for Israel.
The protests also exposed divisions within New York’s Jewish community. Progressive Jewish organisations organised a separate demonstration near the UN, calling for a ceasefire and accountability over alleged violations of international law. Pro-Netanyahu demonstrators staged a counter-protest, highlighting differences within the wider Jewish community over Israel’s policies and the Gaza conflict.
Anti-Zionist Jewish activists also took part in demonstrations, while Jewish and Muslim protesters joined broader marches against Netanyahu’s visit.
The scenes outside the UN contrasted sharply with the proceedings inside the General Assembly, where diplomats expressed their opposition by leaving the chamber as Netanyahu began speaking.
Netanyahu’s appearance came weeks before Israel’s October 27 election and as his government faces continued international criticism over the Gaza war. His shortened New York visit included the UN address before he was scheduled to return to Israel the same day.
The demonstrations and diplomatic walkout highlighted the continuing international dispute over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, while also reflecting growing divisions in the United States over the Israeli government and its policies.
