Netanyahu UN speech triggers walkout and protests
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's UN address prompted a diplomatic walkout and large-scale protests, as New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani highlighted
Dozens of delegates walked out of the UN General Assembly hall as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began his address on Thursday, September 24, 2026. Netanyahu delivered a combative speech denying genocide allegations and accusing critics of hypocrisy, which left large sections of the hall empty.
He devoted a significant part of his speech to New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Netanyahu accused Mamdani of spreading false claims about Israel. He rejected allegations that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza, saying the country had prevented rather than committed it. In response to the walkout, Netanyahu said, 'If there are any other moral cowards who haven't left the hall, please do so now.' He defended Tel Aviv’s military actions amid growing international isolation.
Mamdani’s response and symbolic actions
Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned the speech. He said Netanyahu used it to repeat baseless lies meant to sanitise his genocide of Palestinians. Mamdani stated no lie could change the fact that Netanyahu remains the subject of an International Criminal Court arrest warrant alleging war crimes and crimes against humanity. He argued the appropriate authorities should carry out the warrant, having previously said New York City lacked the authority to enforce it.
On Wednesday night, Mamdani hosted Palestinian families from Gaza at Gracie Mansion. He planted an olive tree with them and said, 'May peace be our future.' Mamdani declined to join the street protests that coincided with the UN address.
Protests outside the UN and across Manhattan
Hundreds protested outside the UN headquarters while Netanyahu spoke. Jewish and Muslim activists, Palestinian supporters, human-rights campaigners, progressive Jewish groups, politicians, artists and musicians took part in separate demonstrations across Manhattan. The largest direct action was organised by Jewish Voice for Peace, whose New York chapter brought hundreds of protesters to First Avenue and 39th Street.
Protesters demanded Netanyahu face prosecution for war crimes. Banners reading 'Stop bombing Iran, Lebanon, Palestine' were waved. Some demonstrators wore T-shirts that read 'Fund people not bombs'. Actor Susan Sarandon attended the protest. At least 100 people protesting the visit were detained in New York City. Among those detained were Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon and Emmy-winning actress Hannah Einbinder. Several demonstrators were seen handcuffed and led away by police.
Generational divide in U.S. Attitudes toward Israel
The protests offered a visible glimpse of a generational shift in American attitudes. Many demonstrators were young people, including students, activists, artists and younger politicians. A Pew Research Centre survey from May found only 18 percent of Americans aged 18 to 29 had a favourable view of the Israeli government. Among the youngest Americans, 58 percent expressed a favourable view of Palestinians. That compares with 47 percent among those aged 65 and older. Support for Israel remains stronger among older Americans, while younger Americans have become substantially more critical.
Netanyahu’s shortened visit and political context
Netanyahu’s stay in New York was sharply shortened amid security concerns and expectations of protests. He arrived on Thursday morning and was scheduled to return to Israel the same evening rather than remain overnight. The visit was cut to a few hours. Netanyahu is campaigning for re-election at home ahead of an October 27 vote. He is battling mounting criticism abroad over the Gaza conflict, with elections looming that could threaten his political future. Netanyahu was scheduled to return to Israel the same evening rather than remain overnight.
