Mass walkouts mark Netanyahu’s contentious UN address
The Israeli Prime Minister utilized a series of maps illustrating cooperation between Israel and certain Arab states and highlighting Iran’s network of influence, as threats to regional stability
Muslim Network TV
NEW YORK (MNTV) – Delegations from multiple countries staged a dramatic walkout in protest as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has faced accusations of genocide in Palestine, addressed the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly on Friday.
The walkout began with Türkiye’s permanent representative to the UN, Ambassador Ahmet Yildiz, who left the hall just before Netanyahu began his speech.
His departure triggered a wave of similar protests, with representatives from numerous countries, including several Arab and Muslim-majority nations, following suit.
The coordinated walkouts were a visible expression of international condemnation and disapproval of Israel’s recent military actions in Gaza.
As Netanyahu took the podium, the atmosphere in the assembly hall was palpably tense.
Audience disruptions grew so intense that the presiding diplomat had to intervene, calling repeatedly for order.
Netanyahu’s speech came amidst a backdrop of escalating violence that has claimed over 41,000 lives in Gaza and 700 in Lebanon, following a year-long Israeli aggression that began on October 7 last year.
The Israeli leader defended his country’s military actions, framing them as a necessary response to protect Israeli citizens from “savage murderers.”
“Our enemies seek not only to destroy us, they seek to destroy our common civilization and return all of us to a dark age of tyranny and terror,” Netanyahu declared.
He directed much of his address against Iran and its affiliated groups, particularly Hezbollah, which has been engaged in border skirmishes with Israeli forces, and the Houthi rebels in Yemen, who have launched missiles toward Israel.
He also declared that his government will not allow Hamas to govern Gaza any more in the post-war scenario.
Netanyahu criticized what he termed as global appeasement of Iran, asserting that “for too long, the world has turned a blind eye to Tehran’s ambitions.”
He vowed that Israel would not hesitate to retaliate if provoked by Iran.
“I have a message for the tyrants of Tehran: If you strike us, we will strike you. There is no place in Iran that the long arm of Israel cannot reach, and that’s true of the entire Middle East,” he warned.
The Israeli Prime Minister utilized a series of maps during his presentation to illustrate his claims.
One map depicted Israel’s prospective Arab allies, suggesting that cooperation between Israel and certain Arab states denotes progress and prosperity.
Another map highlighted Iran’s network of influence, pointing to groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis as threats to regional stability.
Shifting his focus, Netanyahu emphasized the importance of achieving a “historic peace agreement” between Israel and Saudi Arabia. He expressed optimism that such an accord would be a game-changer for the region, bringing unprecedented economic and technological benefits.
“What a blessing such a peace with Saudi Arabia would bring,” he said, highlighting potential advancements in tourism, trade, and energy cooperation.
“It would be a true pivot of history, bringing in a reconciliation between Makkah and Jerusalem.”
Netanyahu also underscored the role of the United States in facilitating peace, stating that expanding the circle of peace with Arab nations is the best way to counter Iran’s “nefarious designs.”
He praised the U.S. for its support and leadership in the region and called for continued collaboration to thwart Iran’s influence.
Netanyahu notably avoided the issue of Palestine and Israeli occupation, the root cause of the tension in the region.
He also did not mention the joint call by the United States and France for a three-week ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, a proposal that has garnered growing support.
His omission of this issue drew criticism from several quarters, highlighting the deep divisions and challenges facing efforts to achieve a lasting peace in the region.
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