World Delegations Walk Out During Netanyahu’s UN Speech: Israel Faces Growing Isolation on the Global Stage

CNEWS, Jakarta/New York, September 26, 2025 – A major diplomatic incident unfolded at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced a mass walkout by member state delegations even before he delivered his official speech. The incident is widely seen as a powerful symbol of Israel’s increasing isolation on the international stage.

Mass Walkout: A Symbol of Global Rejection

The fourth day of the UNGA in New York initially proceeded as scheduled. But as soon as the session chair invited Netanyahu to the podium, dozens of delegates stood up and walked out of the hall.

Some diplomats were heard voicing condemnation, while a handful of attendees offered applause. The stark contrast highlighted deep divisions within the international community. The session chair urged, “Please remain in the chamber, and please take your seats,” but the appeal was ignored.

Rows of seats stood empty, leaving Netanyahu alone at the podium with a stern expression as he began his address.

Which Countries Walked Out

According to diplomatic records obtained by CNEWS at the UN headquarters, delegations that walked out were largely from the Arab bloc, members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), as well as several Latin American and African countries.

Arab nations including Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia left the hall. From Asia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, and Turkey joined the walkout.

In Latin America, Bolivia, Venezuela, and Cuba participated, while in Africa, South Africa and Namibia followed suit.

By contrast, Israel’s key allies—the United States, Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom—remained seated, underscoring the widening geopolitical polarization: a pro-Israel bloc versus the majority rejecting Tel Aviv’s military actions.

Netanyahu’s Speech: Iran, Hamas, Trump, and a Jibe at Prabowo

In his 40-minute address, Netanyahu began by displaying a map he described as the “Iranian terror axis,” which he claimed threatens global stability.

He referenced the families of Israeli hostages still in Gaza, framing Israel’s war not merely as a regional conflict but as part of a “global mission against terrorism.”

Netanyahu highlighted the June 2025 military operation in which Israel and the United States struck Iranian nuclear sites. “This war will be remembered in history. Our brave pilots neutralized Iran’s missile defenses and dominated the skies over Tehran,” he declared.

He went on to praise U.S. President Donald Trump: “Through bold and decisive action, President Trump and I kept our promise to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons—and we delivered on that promise.”

In a move that drew additional backlash, Netanyahu also took aim at Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. He described Prabowo’s recent UN remarks—calling for Palestinian statehood while guaranteeing Israel’s security—as a “political paradox” and “unrealistic.” Observers believe this jab further fueled the mass walkout.

Netanyahu closed by urging the UN Security Council to reinstate sanctions on Iran and destroy its stockpiles of enriched uranium. “Iran’s uranium reserves must be eliminated. The world cannot afford complacency,” he warned.

Responses from the Islamic World and Palestine

Hamas reacted by declaring the incident proof of Israel’s declining legitimacy. “The walkout by world delegations sends a clear political message: Israel has lost moral and political legitimacy,” Hamas said in a statement quoted by Al Jazeera.

Outside the UN headquarters, thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters rallied under the banner Free Palestine, demanding Netanyahu’s arrest and full recognition of Palestinian statehood.

Prabowo: A Free Palestine and Security for Israel

In his own UN address on September 23, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto articulated Indonesia’s vision for Middle East peace.

“To achieve a free and sovereign Palestine, we must also recognize, respect, and guarantee Israel’s security. Only then can we build true peace—free from hatred, free from suspicion,” Prabowo said at the podium.

At the Two-State Solution Summit a day earlier, Prabowo further stressed: “Indonesia will recognize Israel once Israel recognizes Palestine’s independence and sovereignty.”

Geopolitical Analysis: A Turning Point in Global Diplomacy

Analysts see the mass walkout as one of the strongest rebukes of Israel at the UN in two decades. The event carries at least three strategic implications:

1. Israel’s Diplomatic Isolation
   With most Asian, African, Middle Eastern, and Latin American states walking out, Israel has effectively lost broad global sympathy, retaining support only from its Western allies.

2. Pressure on the United States
   Washington’s unwavering support for Israel places it in a difficult position, as the majority of the world now rejects Tel Aviv’s policies.

3. The Rise of Global South Solidarity
   The coordinated stance of Global South countries reflects a new geopolitical trend: solidarity against Israel’s military hegemony, strengthening their bargaining power in multilateral forums.

Conclusion

The mass walkout during Netanyahu’s UN speech was not mere diplomatic theater but a resounding signal of shifting global politics. The world is increasingly divided between Israel’s Western backers and the majority siding with Palestine.

If this trend continues, Israel risks deeper international isolation, while the Palestinian cause regains centrality in global political discourse. (RED. CN)