Netanyahu Defends Israeli Military Action as UN Delegates Walk Out

NEW YORK — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the country’s latest military operation in a speech to the United Nations General Assembly on 25 September 2026, as delegates from a number of member states walked out of the session in protest.

UN session disrupted by walk‑outs

The General Assembly meeting, held in the United Nations General Assembly Hall, was interrupted when representatives from Egypt, Jordan, and several other Arab and Muslim-majority states left the chamber in a coordinated walk‑out. The move followed Netanyahu’s remarks, which were broadcast live to the world. The walk‑outs were described by the United Nations as a “significant diplomatic protest” and were reported by the BBC, Africanews, and Georgia Today.

Netanyahu’s defence of the operation

In his address, Netanyahu said the Israeli Defence Forces had carried out a targeted strike in the Gaza Strip in response to a series of rocket attacks that had taken place earlier that week. He described the operation as a “necessary measure to protect Israeli civilians” and urged the international community to recognise the security threat posed by militant groups in Gaza. The Prime Minister also called for a renewed cease‑fire and for the international community to support a two‑state solution.

International reaction and diplomatic fallout

Following the speech, the walk‑outs were met with condemnation from several UN officials. The UN Secretary‑General’s spokesperson said the General Assembly “remains a forum for constructive dialogue” and that “the walk‑outs do not reflect the spirit of the UN.” The United States, which has historically been a close ally of Israel, issued a statement supporting Israel’s right to self‑defence while also calling for restraint and a return to negotiations.

In contrast, several Arab and Muslim‑majority delegations, including those from Egypt, Jordan, and Qatar, issued statements condemning the operation as a violation of international law and calling for an immediate halt to Israeli military activity in Gaza. The walk‑outs were also echoed by the Palestinian Authority, which said it would pursue legal action against Israel in the International Court of Justice.

Background to the conflict

Israel’s military operation, which began on 18 September 2026, was part of a broader campaign aimed at neutralising rocket launch sites in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli government has repeatedly stated that the strikes are aimed at preventing future attacks on Israeli territory. The Gaza Strip has seen a surge in rocket fire since the beginning of the year, with more than 1,200 rockets fired into Israel in the first eight weeks of 2026, according to the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The United Nations has called for a cease‑fire in the region since the start of the conflict, and the UN Human Rights Council has urged both sides to adhere to international humanitarian law. The walk‑outs at the General Assembly come amid growing international scrutiny of Israel’s military actions and a renewed push for diplomatic resolution.