Netanyahu Faces UN Walkout and Protests During New York Visit
Benjamin Netanyahu addresses the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced strong criticism during his New York visit as protests and diplomatic opposition highlighted the deep divisions over Israel’s war in Gaza.
Netanyahu addressed the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday. He defended Israel’s military actions and rejected allegations that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza. He also criticised several of his opponents during the speech.
Netanyahu Defends Israel at UN
The Israeli prime minister used his UN address to challenge international criticism of Israel. He accused opponents of hypocrisy and called his critics “moral cowards”.
Netanyahu also targeted New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani. He accused the mayor of spreading what he described as false claims about Israel.
Mamdani responded after the speech. He accused Netanyahu of using his UN platform to defend Israel’s actions in Gaza.
The exchange added another layer to an already tense New York visit. Mamdani has previously criticised Netanyahu and discussed the International Criminal Court arrest warrant against him.
Protests Draw Hundreds in New York
Outside the UN headquarters, hundreds of demonstrators gathered to protest Netanyahu’s policies and Israel’s conduct of the Gaza war.
Several groups organised separate demonstrations across Manhattan. Jewish and Muslim activists joined Palestinian supporters, human-rights campaigners and progressive Jewish organisations.
One major demonstration was organised by Jewish Voice for Peace. Protesters gathered near First Avenue and 39th Street and called for an end to US support for Israel.
Police moved to clear protesters who blocked traffic. Arrests followed as demonstrators continued their protest.
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Several prominent figures were detained. They included actors Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder, according to reports. Other public figures also took part in the demonstrations.
UN Walkout Footage Requires Context
Reports of a diplomatic walkout during Netanyahu’s address have circulated widely.
However, there is an important distinction concerning images shared online. Dawn reported that widely circulated footage showing diplomats leaving the General Assembly as Netanyahu approached the podium was actually recorded during his September 26, 2025 UN speech.
The footage is genuine, but it should not be presented as video from Netanyahu’s 2026 appearance.
Current reporting does confirm that Netanyahu faced significant criticism and protests during his 2026 visit.
Divisions Within Jewish Groups
The protests also exposed differences among Jewish organisations in New York.
Progressive Jewish groups organised a separate demonstration near the UN. Participants included organisations such as New York Jewish Agenda, T’ruah, J Street and New Jewish Narrative.
Organisers called for a ceasefire and accountability over alleged violations in Gaza. They also said their position reflected opposition to Netanyahu’s policies while maintaining concern for Jewish security.
Pro-Netanyahu demonstrators held counter-protests nearby. They used whistles, megaphones and chants in support of the Israeli prime minister.
The ultra-Orthodox anti-Zionist group Neturei Karta also demonstrated. Its members argued that criticism of Israel should not automatically be treated as antisemitism.
Generational Divide Over Israel
The demonstrations also reflected changing views among younger Americans.
A Pew Research Centre survey cited in the supplied report found differences between younger and older Americans in their views of the Israeli government and Palestinians.
According to the figures, 18 per cent of Americans aged 18 to 29 had a favourable view of the Israeli government. The figure stood at 47 per cent among Americans aged 65 and older.
The same survey found that 58 per cent of the youngest group viewed Palestinians favourably. Among Americans aged 65 and older, the figure was 47 per cent.
Young activists, students, artists and politicians were visible among the protesters in New York.
Netanyahu’s Shortened New York Visit
Netanyahu’s visit was already expected to be brief.
Israeli security officials had recommended limiting his stay in the United States amid security concerns. He arrived in New York on Thursday, addressed the UN and planned to return to Israel the same day.
The shortened schedule came as protests and security concerns surrounded his appearance.
For several hours, demonstrations outside the UN and debate inside the General Assembly reflected the wider international dispute over Israel, Gaza and the future of the conflict.
The events in New York also highlighted the growing political debate in the United States over Israel’s military campaign and Washington’s relationship with the Israeli government.
