NEW YORK: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mounted a forceful defence of Israel’s actions in the region at the UN on Thursday, seeking to counter growing international isolation ahead of elections he could lose, as dozens of delegates streamed out.
The walkout underscored the competing pressures facing Netanyahu, who is battling mounting criticism abroad over the Gaza conflict while campaigning for re-election at home ahead of an Oct 27 vote.
The divisions over Israel’s conduct were on display as Netanyahu began speaking, with dozens of delegates walking out in protest.
Netanyahu used his address to berate New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani for calling him a war criminal, Western European leaders for what he called succumbing to ‘antisemitic mobs’, and to accuse both Qatar and Turkiye of spreading lies about Israel.
Meanwhile, several hundred protesters gathered near the UN building, with dozens blocking traffic. Movie star Susan Sarandon and actress Hannah Einbinder were among people detained by police.
Sarandon, whose movie hits also include Thelma and Louise and Dead Man Walking, is no stranger to anti-Israel protests.
Einbinder was marched away from the demonstration organised by Jewish Voice for Peace.-Reuters