- September 25, 2026
Israeli Delegate Seen Checking Empty Seats After Mass Walkout During Netanyahu’s UN Speech | Video
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An Israeli delegation member was filmed moving through the UN General Assembly hall and checking tables after dozens of delegates walked out during Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech.
An Israeli delegation member is seen checking tables inside the UN General Assembly hall after several delegations walked out during Benjamin Netanyahu’s address.
A member of the Israeli delegation was filmed moving through the United Nations General Assembly hall during Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech, appearing to check which delegations had left their seats.
Footage from inside the chamber showed the delegate walking between rows and stopping near tables as several seats remained empty. Reports on the footage said the Israeli representative was noting which delegations were no longer present in the hall.
The scene unfolded as dozens of delegates walked out of the General Assembly chamber when Netanyahu took the podium on Thursday. The mass exit left large sections of the hall empty and became one of the most visible moments of his address.
Dozens Of Delegates Walk Out
The walkout came as Netanyahu began his address to the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York. The Palestinian delegation had called on other missions to join the protest, and delegates from several countries subsequently left the chamber.
As the delegates walked out, Netanyahu addressed those who had left at the start of his speech.
“If there are any other moral cowards who haven’t yet left this hall, please do so now,” he said.
The remark came after the Israeli prime minister was met with a mix of cheers, boos and a mass departure of delegates.
Which Delegations Walked Out?
Delegations from countries including Iran, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Türkiye, Kyrgyzstan and Palestine were reported to have walked out of the General Assembly hall as Netanyahu began his address.
Photographs from the chamber also showed empty seats associated with Sudan, Tunisia, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Algeria, Malaysia, Montenegro, Jordan, Libya, the Marshall Islands and Mauritius.
However, empty seats alone do not confirm that the entire delegation of a country walked out, as some representatives may have remained in the chamber.
Netanyahu Defends Israel’s Military Actions
Netanyahu used the UN address to defend Israel’s military actions in Gaza and its wider military campaign against Iran. He also criticised governments and leaders opposing his policies.
The speech came against the backdrop of continuing international criticism of Israel over the Gaza war and its broader policies toward the Palestinians. The walkout underscored the divisions surrounding Israel at this year’s General Assembly, where the Gaza conflict and the wider Middle East crisis have been prominent issues.
The footage of an Israeli delegate moving through the chamber and checking the empty seats added another notable moment to an address already marked by the highly visible diplomatic walkout.
Quick Answers
Ask News18Delegations from countries including Iran, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Türkiye, Kyrgyzstan, and Palestine walked out of the General Assembly hall. Additionally, empty seats were noted for Sudan, Tunisia, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Algeria, Malaysia, Montenegro, Jordan, Libya, the Marshall Islands, and Mauritius.
Ask News18About the Author
Pragya Bahuguna is a digital journalist at News18.com, covering national and international news, including Indian politics and geopolitics, with an interest in environment and climate affairs. She hol…Read More
New York, United States of America (USA)
September 25, 2026, 17:34 IST
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