"Moral Cowards": Netanyahu Addresses the UN: Standing Firm on Iran, Walkouts in the Hall, and Protests Throughout Manhattan

The Outsider's take

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu used his 15th General Assembly speech to defend two wars and counter critics. Many diplomats left the room before he completed his first sentence.

He spoke nearly seven months into the US-Israeli conflict with Iran and nearly three years into the Gaza war. The speech was a prominent opportunity to defend Israel amid growing criticism and an approaching election.

From the start, the room was divided. Many diplomats exited as he began, while others stood and applauded. He called those who left "moral cowards."

He prioritised Iran, calling strikes on its nuclear facilities one of his easiest decisions as prime minister and affirming Israel’s commitment to fighting on. His point was clear: without these strikes, the world would face grave danger. Iran's president responded from the same platform, accusing the global community of double standards.

Addressing accusations that Israel is a colonial project, Netanyahu noted that Israel constitutes about 1% of the Arab world's land and pointed fingers at Britain and France for their colonial histories.

Following criticism from other leaders — including UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who said Israel's Gaza response was excessive — Netanyahu’s speech reflected ongoing diplomatic tensions. More than 70,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since October 2023. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas spoke via video after the US once again denied him a visa.

Protests erupted across Manhattan, organised by diverse groups such as Israeli anti-government activists, Zionists, anti-Zionists, and Palestinians. At Union Square, UnXeptable, an Israeli expatriate group, protested Netanyahu, aiming to influence voting in the upcoming Israeli election. Later, US Jewish groups demonstrated near the UN against Israel’s actions, demanding an end to the conflict and accountability for war crimes.

The most significant protest occurred outside UN headquarters, with hundreds blocking traffic and dozens, including celebrities and political figures, being detained. Many protesters labelled the Gaza conflict a genocide, which Israel denies. Notable detainees included actress Susan Sarandon and City Council members Alexa Aviles and Chi Ossé. The protests also challenged Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s authority, who once promised to arrest Netanyahu but admitted he lacked the legal power.

The day before, a smaller rally addressed anti-Semitism concerns, as New Yorkers faced rising hostility. Some attendees opposed Israel on religious grounds, and a rabbi reported an attack on a congregant outside a synagogue.

Regarding Israel's reputation, Netanyahu faces internal and external challenges. Recognition of Palestinian statehood by countries like the UK and France, UN sanctions threats, an ICC arrest warrant against him, and growing US and UN criticism highlight Israel’s diplomatic troubles. Despite US vetoes, frustration over Israel's resistance to censure intensifies, with some American politicians branding Netanyahu a "wanted war criminal."

A noteworthy observation is that many protesters, including Jews and Israelis, oppose their government's policies, emphasising opposition to actions, not a religion or people. Globally, citizens, lawmakers, and courts increasingly critique Israel's conduct in Gaza and the West Bank. While anti-Semitism remains a serious threat, criticising government policies should not be equated with hatred of the Jewish faith. Israel's international reputation now hinges more on internal change driven by its citizens than on UN speeches.