Delegates walk out as Netanyahu touts Iran war, slams Qatar and Turkey at UN

Adam Lucente , Rosaleen Carroll

Sep 24, 2026

Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu waves to delegates leaving before his UN speech — Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu waves to delegates from several countries as they leave the the room before his speech during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly at U.N. Headquarters on Sept.24, 2026 in New York City. — Alexi J. Rosenfeld/ Getty Images

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NEW YORK/WASHINGTON — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed in his speech at the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday that the occupied Golan Heights would remain under Israel’s control while celebrating the military campaign against Iran and lashing out against Turkey and Qatar.

Dozens of delegations walked out ahead of the speech, adding to the tense atmosphere in the city around the premier’s speech. Among the countries that stayed were Bahrain, China and Colombia.

Dozens of delegates walked out of the UN General Assembly in protest as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech began on Thursday. pic.twitter.com/SkDEBH6m2g
— AL-MONITOR (@AlMonitor) September 24, 2026

The Golan Heights

Netanyahu rejected Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s claim this week that the Golan Heights remain Syrian territory, saying during the address that Israel would retain control of the strategic plateau.