Netanyahu Labels UN Delegates 'Moral Cowards' After Walkout

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a defiant address to the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, defending Israel’s regional military actions amid growing international criticism. As he approached the podium, several delegations walked out in protest, prompting Netanyahu to label the departing delegates “moral cowards.” He used the platform to attack New York Mayor Zohran Mam Mandi, who had threatened to arrest him over alleged war‑crimes charges, and to accuse Western European governments of yielding to “antisemitic mobs.” Netanyahu also targeted Qatar and Turkey, accusing them of spreading falsehoods about Israel.

During the speech, Netanyahu accused Mam Mandi of supporting Hamas fighters and declared that attempts to silence him had failed. He called on those spreading lies about Israel and its soldiers to feel shame. The visit marked Netanyahu’s first trip to New York since Mam Mandi took office in January, and he denied all war‑crimes allegations. Facing a national vote in less than five weeks, the 40‑minute address was broadcast live on all four major Israeli television networks.

To accompany the appearance, the Israeli government funded 500 pro‑Israel billboards and advertising trucks across Manhattan. Netanyahu also displayed a pager and a Starlink satellite receiver during the session, citing recent covert operations against Hezbollah operatives and suggesting that the Iranian regime would eventually collapse and allow its people to freely share their story on social media.

Outside the UN, demonstrations against Israel gathered near the headquarters. Police arrested dozens of demonstrators who blocked traffic while chanting slogans such as “Stop arming Israel, let Gaza live” and “Stop arming Israel, let Iran live.” The brief visit did not include a scheduled meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, though Netanyahu thanked him during the speech for his “bold leadership.”