‘Attacking Iran Was One of My Easiest Decisions,’ Netanyahu Says at UN; Diplomats Walk Out

New York: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the attack on Iran during his speech at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday. He said that attacking Iran was one of his easiest decisions as prime minister. As soon as his speech started, there was an uproar in the General Assembly hall, and a large number of delegates walked out of the house.

Why did the walkout happen as soon as Netanyahu came on the stage?

As soon as Netanyahu's name was announced and he came on the stage, delegates from many countries got up from their seats and walked out. Some people in the hall clapped and booing was also heard from some. Seeing the deteriorating atmosphere, the President of the General Assembly had to appeal several times to maintain peace in the House.

According to reports, the Palestinian Mission's appeal was behind this. The Palestinian Mission had already sent a message to 193 member countries of the United Nations that when Netanyahu speaks, they should come to the hall with as many staff as possible and do a mass walkout as soon as he speaks. This was seen as a protest against the policies of the Israeli government.

What did Netanyahu say to the walkouts?

Netanyahu did not stop after seeing the delegates going out. He said from the stage itself that if there is still any morally coward left in the House, he should also leave. He further made a big claim. Netanyahu said that many leaders of the countries whose representatives walked out today had privately thanked Israel for taking action against Iran's nuclear sites. Although this is only Netanyahu's claim, it has not been independently confirmed.

What explanation did Netanyahu give regarding the attack on Iran?

In his speech, Netanyahu described Iran's nuclear programme as the biggest threat to Israel's security. He said that attacking Iran was an easy decision because it saved Israel as well as many other countries from danger. He said that Israel is not only protecting itself, but is also protecting the countries whose representatives walked out during his speech.

What was the appeal of the Palestinian mission?

The Palestinian side had appealed to the delegates that Netanyahu's speech should be seen as a message of protest. Palestine is continuously accusing Israel of war crimes and genocide in Gaza, while Israel rejects these allegations and calls its action self-defence. This entire incident has once again shown how divided the world is on the Israel-Palestine issue and there are deep differences in the United Nations on this issue.