Mass Protest at the UN: Netanyahu Speaks to an Empty Hall

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech at the United Nations 81st General Assembly became the focus of a protest. As Netanyahu stepped onto the podium, diplomatic representatives from several countries left the General Assembly hall.

When Netanyahu stepped onto the podium, activity began.

During the 81st General Assembly meetings held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, notable moments occurred during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech.

As Netanyahu stepped onto the podium to deliver his speech, some diplomatic representatives left their seats and exited the hall. After the protest, empty seats in the General Assembly hall drew attention.

Signs that such a protest could occur had already been given before Netanyahu's speech. Palestine's United Nations mission had called on diplomatic representatives to leave the hall during Netanyahu's address.

There was also a protest outside the UN building.

The protests did not remain confined to the General Assembly hall. Before Netanyahu's speech, hundreds of demonstrators gathered around the UN Headquarters in New York. While the protesters reacted to Israel's Gaza policies, extensive security measures were taken in the area.

Netanyahu's visit to New York was also kept quite brief this year. The Israeli Prime Minister came to the United States for his speech at the UN General Assembly and, after his engagements in New York, planned to return to Israel on the same day.

A similar protest had also taken place last year.

During his speech at the UN General Assembly on 26 September 2025, Netanyahu also faced a similar protest. At that time, hundreds of diplomats had left the hall while Netanyahu took the podium.

The latest protest that occurred at the UN General Assembly on 24 September 2026, however, showed that diplomatic responses were once again shifted into the General Assembly hall during Netanyahu's speech.