Empty seats spoke louder than Netanyahu’s speech.
The Zionist newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported that the diplomatic representatives of most countries left the hall shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began his speech, attracting significant global attention. This departure overshadowed his statements regarding Gaza, Hamas, and the establishment of a Palestinian state.
The newspaper emphasized that international media outlets focused less on Netanyahu’s statements and more on the empty seats in the UN General Assembly hall. Yedioth Ahronoth expressed disappointment over how the international media covered Netanyahu’s speech.
According to the report, CNN began its coverage with the headline: “Delegates walk out during Netanyahu’s speech.” The network featured a video of the delegates leaving and mockingly noted that, under these circumstances, Netanyahu was determined to “finish the job” of destroying Hamas in Gaza.
The Guardian in the UK also reported on the UN events with the headline “Netanyahu vows to finish Gaza in UN speech as delegates leave.” This report included a GIF showing delegates exiting the UN floor, stating that Netanyahu had promised (to the empty seats) that Israel would continue its war until Hamas was defeated.
The New York Times referred to Netanyahu as “a bold speaker after dozens walked out,” and also noted the widespread protests by Palestinian supporters outside UN headquarters in New York.
The Associated Press highlighted Netanyahu’s global isolation at the United Nations, where he asserted that Israel “must finish Hamas.” In a second report, it remarked: “Always a showman, Netanyahu has again resorted to staging and visual devices to confront and combat critics at the United Nations.” Both reports underscored his isolation amid widespread criticism and his use of theatrical tactics.
Arab media outlets prominently featured the large anti-Israel demonstrations occurring outside the UN headquarters as Netanyahu began his speech, with some even referring to it as “a speech to empty seats.” The Qatari newspaper Al-Arabi Al-Jadeed reported, “The UN hall was nearly empty after delegations left in protest of Israel’s policy in Gaza and the ongoing violence against Palestinians.” It added that thousands protested outside the UN against Netanyahu’s speech, despite his invitation to allies and leaders meant to show support.
Saudi Arabia’s Al Arabiya also reported that numerous delegates left the UN hall following Netanyahu’s speech, while he stood behind the podium looking displeased. Additionally, Yedioth Ahronoth noted the presence of Netanyahu’s wife, son Yair, and several ministers, including Ofer Akunis, the Israeli consul in New York, as part of a group of loyalists invited to applaud him.
Although Netanyahu’s allies in his cabinet coalition praised the speech as a strong defense of Israel’s security, the most enduring image of his address worldwide was of the empty seats.ress was the rows of empty seats in the General Assembly hall.