Delegates Stage Walk Out as Netanyahu Rejects Palestinian Statehood at UNGA
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu triggered a storm of protest at the United Nations General Assembly on Friday when he flatly rejected calls for Palestinian statehood and vowed to press ahead with Israel’s war in Gaza.
The speech, delivered to a half-empty hall, came after more than 100 diplomats from over 50 countries staged a walkout in protest.
Netanyahu used his address to lash out at nations that have recently recognised Palestine — including the United Kingdom, France, Canada, and France Australia — branding their decisions “insane” and a reward for terrorism. He argued that unilateral recognition would only embolden militant groups and threaten Israel’s security.
Adopting a defiant tone, the Israeli leader repeated that Israel “must finish the job” in Gaza, signalling there would be no let-up in military operations against Hamas until the group is dismantled. He also attempted to address hostages believed to be held in Gaza, assuring them that they had not been forgotten. Israeli officials claimed the speech was broadcast into the enclave via loudspeakers and even streamed to mobile phones in the territory.
The reaction from the floor was immediate. The mass walkout, coordinated by several blocs of countries, underscored growing international frustration with Netanyahu’s hard-line stance.
Many governments and human rights groups have accused Israel of disregarding international law in Gaza, where the humanitarian crisis has worsened after months of conflict.
Critics also highlighted that Netanyahu is facing an International Criminal Court arrest warrant over alleged war crimes tied to the Gaza campaign, deepening the controversy surrounding his appearance.
His refusal to acknowledge Palestinian aspirations for statehood further strained already fragile diplomatic efforts aimed at reviving a two-state solution.
Despite the pushback, Netanyahu stood firm, accusing Western nations of “appeasement” and declaring that Israel would never bow to international pressure when its security was at stake.
His speech avoided any clear position on West Bank annexation, a matter that continues to divide Israeli politics and spark international concern.
The incident at the UN has reinforced Israel’s growing diplomatic isolation, with many world leaders calling for restraint and renewed negotiations.
For now, however, Netanyahu’s stance suggests that peace talks remain distant, while the war in Gaza shows no sign of ending.
