Dozens of delegates walked out of the United Nations General Assembly hall as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approached the podium to speak on Thursday, according to multiple outlets.
The Guardian reported that those who left did so in support of Palestine, while other delegates who stayed clapped and chanted 'Am Yisrael Chai' ('the people of Israel live') in support of the prime minister.
Outlets differ in how they characterized the walkout. The Washington Examiner described it as a move designed to make Israel appear isolated on the world stage, arguing the image of empty seats was intended to convey that Israel stood alone and rejected. The Times described the speech itself as 'fiery.'
Al Jazeera English reported on which countries participated in the walkout, though the specific list of countries was not detailed in the available summary.
How each side covered it
Left
- Multiple outlets reported dozens of delegates from UN member states walked out as Netanyahu approached the podium.
- The Guardian and New Republic noted some delegates remained, applauding the walkout, while Netanyahu supporters chanted 'Am Yisrael Chai'.
- The New Republic highlighted this was the second consecutive year delegates staged a walkout during Netanyahu's address.
- Democracy Now! situated the walkout alongside reports of over 100 protesters arrested outside the UN demanding Netanyahu's arrest.
“Dozens of delegates left the room in support of Palestine as the Israeli prime minister walked to the podium on Thursday.” — The Guardian
Right
- The Washington Examiner argued the walkout was a deliberate, 'manufactured' effort to portray Israel as internationally isolated.
- The American Conservative framed the walkout within its ongoing coverage tracking the Iran war timeline.
- The Times described the walkout as occurring during a 'fiery' speech by Netanyahu.
“The walkout was designed to make Israel look isolated.” — Washington Examiner
Questions readers ask
What happened at the UN General Assembly involving Netanyahu?
Dozens of delegates walked out of the hall as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began addressing the UN General Assembly on Thursday, according to The Guardian, while other delegates stayed and applauded or chanted in his support.
Why did delegates walk out of Netanyahu's speech?
The Guardian reported the walkout was done in support of Palestine, though sources do not specify further reasoning behind individual delegations' decisions.
Which countries walked out of Netanyahu's speech?
Al Jazeera English reported on which countries participated in the walkout, but the specific list of countries is not detailed in the available material.
How did left- and right-leaning outlets differ in covering the walkout?
Left-leaning outlets like The Guardian focused on the delegates who walked out in support of Palestine and those who stayed to applaud Netanyahu, while right-leaning outlets such as the Washington Examiner framed the walkout as a deliberate attempt to portray Israel as isolated.
Sources · 8 outlet reports
- Al Jazeera EnglishLeft-leaningNetanyahu’s UN belligerence wins cheers at home as world walks out
- Democracy Now!Left-leaningHeadlines for September 25, 2026
- The GuardianLeft-leaningUN delegates walk out as Benjamin Netanyahu prepares to address general assembly – video
- The New RepublicLeft-leaningEveryone Walks Out of U.N. Before Netanyahu Says a Single Word
- CNACenterUS delegate walks out during Iranian president's UN speech
- The American ConservativeRight-leaningIran War Day 210: Delegates Walk Out of Netanyahu Speech
- The TimesRight-leaningMass walkout during Binyamin Netanyahu’s fiery UN speech
- Washington ExaminerRight-leaningThey thanked Israel in private. Then they staged a UN walkout