Netanyahu Defends Israel’s Military Actions as Delegates Walk Out at UN

GENEVA — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended his country’s military operations in a speech to the United Nations General Assembly on 25 September 2026, while delegations from several nations walked out in protest. The event followed a series of accusations that Israel’s actions in Gaza and the broader region violated international law.

Speech amid escalating tensions

Netanyahu’s address, delivered from the podium in the UN’s main hall, focused on Israel’s right to self‑defence and the security threats posed by militant groups in the Gaza Strip. He described the operations as “necessary measures to protect Israeli citizens from ongoing attacks.” The Prime Minister also highlighted Israel’s efforts to minimise civilian casualties, citing intelligence that identified targets as military infrastructure.

The speech came after a wave of criticism from the international community, including calls for investigations into alleged war crimes. The United Nations Human Rights Council had previously urged member states to monitor the situation in Gaza, and several countries had called for a cease‑fire. Netanyahu’s remarks were met with mixed reactions from the assembled delegations.

Delegates walk out in protest

During the address, representatives from a number of countries—including several Arab states and members of the African Union—left the hall before the speech concluded. The walkout was a silent statement of disapproval, following the Prime Minister’s insistence that Israel’s actions were justified under international law. The United Nations Secretary‑General’s office confirmed that the exit was not a formal protest but a “gesture of dissent.”

According to the United Nations’ own records, the session was scheduled to last 90 minutes, but the walkout shortened the proceedings to 45 minutes. The UN’s Security Council had earlier debated a resolution on the Gaza conflict, which was ultimately rejected by a vote of 12 in favour, 4 against, and 3 abstentions.

International context

Israel’s military campaign in Gaza began in 2023 following a series of rocket attacks by Hamas. Since then, the conflict has resulted in significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction in the enclave. The United Nations has repeatedly called for a cease‑fire and for both sides to adhere to humanitarian law. In 2025, the International Criminal Court opened a preliminary inquiry into alleged war crimes committed in the region.

Netanyahu’s defense echoes statements made by the Israeli government in 2024, when it announced a new counter‑terrorism strategy aimed at neutralising threats from militant groups in the West Bank and Gaza. The Prime Minister’s speech also referenced Israel’s recent diplomatic efforts to secure a peace framework with neighboring countries, though no concrete agreements were announced at the UN.

Reactions from other nations

While the walkout drew attention, the United Nations’ official statement noted that the session remained in compliance with the General Assembly’s rules of procedure. The Israeli Embassy in Geneva issued a statement after the event, affirming that the Prime Minister’s remarks were “in line with Israel’s constitutional obligations to defend its citizens.”

In contrast, the United Nations Human Rights Office issued a brief statement urging all parties to respect international humanitarian law and to ensure that civilian populations are protected. The statement also called for an independent investigation into the conduct of Israeli forces in Gaza.