Netanyahu criticizes UN walkouts during General Assembly speech

The United Nations General Assembly hall in New York saw dozens of delegations walk out on Thursday evening as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began his speech, staging a protest ahead of his address in which he defended Israel's military policies and attacked its critics.

Netanyahu opened his remarks by criticizing the delegations that left the hall, saying: "If there are any more cowards who have not yet left, I ask them to leave now."

The Israeli prime minister also addressed Iran, stating that destroying its nuclear facilities was a difficult task, but described the decision to carry out the strike as "one of the easiest decisions" he made as prime minister. He added: "Had we not struck Iran, we would be among the dead."

Netanyahu said that Israel, in his words, was defending itself and also the countries whose delegations left the hall, adding that some leaders of those nations "thanked Israel secretly" for striking Iran's nuclear facilities.

On the Syrian issue, Netanyahu addressed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad regarding the Golan Heights, claiming that Jews have been present there since the time of Moses, reaffirming his stance on the Israeli-controlled region.

Netanyahu also criticized France and Britain, saying: "Enough with the lies, you colonized the world," as part of his defense of Israel and response to criticism of its policies.

Netanyahu's speech came amid the withdrawal of international delegations from the General Assembly hall, with his remarks focusing on Iran and criticism of various countries and figures who oppose his government's policies.