Dozens of delegates walk out as Netanyahu brands genocide accusations 'biggest lie of the century' at UN

From the Newshound archive · first published 26 September 2026.

Benjamin Netanyahu's UN General Assembly speech descended into open confrontation on Thursday as delegates from around 77 countries walked out in protest, with the Israeli prime minister calling those departing "moral cowards." He insisted Israel "prevented genocide" rather than committed it, and branded the accusations the "biggest lie of the century" as South Africa's case against Israel at the International Court of Justice remains pending. Hundreds of protesters blocked streets outside the UN building, and dozens were arrested, including actresses Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder.

Netanyahu singled out New York mayor Zohran Mamdani, calling him an "antisemitic" liar who was "endangering Jewish New Yorkers" over his claim that Netanyahu is a war criminal.

He also rounded on Western European governments for capitulating to "antisemitic mobs" and accused Qatar and Turkish president Erdogan of spreading lies about Israel.

Netanyahu faces an election in less than five weeks, is currently trailing in polls, and lavished praise on Trump as Israel's "greatest partner" in the battle against its enemies.