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Dozens of nations walk out during Netanyahu's UN General Assembly address

Representatives from multiple countries staged a coordinated walkout as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the United Nations General Assembly, underscoring deep international divisions over Middle East policy.

LSN Sri Lanka · 24 September 2026

Dozens of nations walk out during Netanyahu's UN General Assembly address

A significant number of UN member states departed from the General Assembly hall during Prime Minister Netanyahu's address, in a dramatic show of protest that highlighted the contentious nature of Israeli-Palestinian relations on the global stage.

The coordinated walkout by representatives from dozens of countries reflected widespread international concern over policies and actions that have drawn criticism from numerous quarters. The demonstration served as a visible manifestation of the stark divisions that persist within the international community regarding Middle East affairs.

The incident underscores the polarized environment surrounding Israeli leadership and regional policy at the highest levels of international diplomacy. Such protests at the UN General Assembly, while not unprecedented, remain relatively rare and indicate the intensity of feeling among nations regarding the issues under discussion.

The walkout comes amid ongoing tensions in the region and reflects the fractious nature of Middle East debates at multilateral forums. The event demonstrates how deeply divided global opinion remains on the matters addressed during Netanyahu's remarks to the Assembly.