UN General Assembly Walkout During Netanyahu’s Speech: A Snapshot of Global Divisions
On September 26, 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, delivering a defiant speech on Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, regional threats from Iran and its proxies, and opposition to Palestinian statehood. As he approached the podium, a dramatic mass walkout by dozens of delegations left the hall nearly empty, symbolizing deepening international isolation for Israel amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. This protest, coordinated in advance, highlighted fractures in global diplomacy, with more than 100 diplomats from over 50 countries participating.
The walkout occurred just before Netanyahu began speaking, creating a stark visual of empty seats as cameras panned across the assembly hall. Netanyahu proceeded undeterred, vowing to “finish the job” against Hamas and broadcasting his remarks via loudspeakers and hijacked mobile phones in Gaza to reach hostages and militants directly. The event echoed similar protests during his 2024 UN address but was larger in scale, fueled by recent recognitions of Palestinian statehood by several Western nations and an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against Netanyahu for alleged war crimes.
Who Walked Out: A Broad Coalition of Protesters
Reports indicate the walkout involved representatives from a wide array of nations, primarily those critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza and the broader Middle East. Nearly all Arab and Muslim-majority countries participated, alongside many African states, several European nations, and Latin American democracies. This collective action was described by Hamas as evidence of Israel’s “deepening isolation,” while Israeli officials dismissed it as a “cheap stunt.”
Key countries and regions that walked out include:
- Arab and Muslim-Majority Nations: Virtually all, such as Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Qatar, Jordan, Syria, Iran, and Lebanon. These delegations exited en masse, aligning with widespread regional condemnation of the Gaza war.
- African Countries: Several, including South Africa (which has an ongoing ICJ case against Israel), Namibia, and Botswana. African delegations emphasized solidarity with Palestinian self-determination.
- European Countries: A notable contingent, including Ireland (whose Taoiseach had earlier called the Gaza situation “inhuman”), Spain, Belgium, and Slovenia. These exits reflected growing EU frustration with Israel’s refusal to pursue cease-fires.
- Latin American and Other Democracies: Brazil, Chile, Mexico, and New Zealand joined, protesting what they view as disproportionate military responses in Gaza.
- Additional Participants: Over 50 countries in total, with the Maldives also confirming its delegation’s exit in solidarity. The protest created long lines at hall exits, amid a mix of boos and scattered applause from remaining attendees.
This list is based on eyewitness accounts, media tallies (e.g., a Washington Post count of over 100 diplomats), and post-event statements, though not every participating nation was individually named in coverage.
Who Remained: Allies and Invited Guests in a Sparse Hall
The assembly hall was described as “mostly empty” and “nearly vacant” during the speech, with applause largely coming from Israel’s invited guests rather than official delegations. Major Western allies stayed seated, signaling continued diplomatic support for Israel despite domestic pressures.
Confirmed countries and entities that remained include:
- United States: The U.S. delegation, a staunch Netanyahu backer, applauded throughout and did not participate in the walkout. This aligns with President Trump’s administration’s veto of UN resolutions critical of Israel and its vow to block West Bank annexation talks.
- United Kingdom: Stayed put, though it sent lower-level representatives rather than senior officials, reflecting a more reserved stance amid domestic protests.
- Other Likely Western Allies: Germany and Canada are reported to have remained, consistent with their historical support for Israel, though not explicitly detailed in all accounts.
- Israel’s Guests: The bulk of the audience consisted of non-delegate invitees brought by Israel’s UN mission, who provided the standing ovation at the speech’s end. These included supporters from various sectors, similar to tactics used in 2024.
Notably absent from the stayers were most non-aligned or Global South nations, underscoring a polarized response: Western powers versus a broad anti-Israel bloc.
Broader Context and Reactions
The walkout amplified Netanyahu’s narrative of Israel standing alone against “radical Islamist constituencies and antisemitic mobs,” as he criticized recent Palestinian state recognitions by countries like Spain and Ireland as rewarding the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. Public reactions on X (formerly Twitter) ranged from outrage—labeling it “antisemitism” and a “display of evil”—to celebration as a moral stand against alleged genocide. Protests outside the UN in Times Square drew hundreds, coinciding with the hall exodus.
For U.S. audiences, this event underscores domestic debates on foreign aid to Israel ($3.8 billion annually) and campus protests, potentially influencing midterm politics. Globally, it pressures the UN for enforcement of ICC warrants and highlights tech’s role in propaganda, like Netanyahu’s Gaza broadcast.
In summary, the walkout represented a historic rebuke, with over 50 nations from diverse regions exiting to protest Israel’s policies, while a core group of Western allies and guests stayed to affirm support. As Netanyahu meets President Trump next week, this divide may shape U.S.-Israel relations and broader Middle East diplomacy moving forward.