Dozens of delegates streamed out of the United Nations chamber in New York City. They left just before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took the stage. Chants of protest echoed through the hall as the assembly began.

The scene was chaotic and loud. Netanyahu did not flinch at the empty seats. He looked out at the remaining crowd with a sharp message.

He told anyone else who wanted to leave to do so now. He called those who stayed behind moral cowards. Cheers erupted from the delegates who remained in the room.

The Israeli leader then laid out his case for recent military actions. He spoke about the stakes of the conflict with Iran. He said destroying Iranian nuclear facilities was a difficult task.

Yet he claimed it was one of his easiest decisions. He argued that inaction would have led to death for all. He pointed out a stark irony in the room.

He said Israel was defending the countries whose delegates just walked out. He claimed many leaders privately thanked Israel for these actions. He labeled this behavior as mind-blowing hypocrisy.

The protests were not limited to the interior. Demonstrators gathered outside the building as well. Hollywood celebrities joined the crowd outside.

They included Elliot Page and Susan Sarandon. Netanyahu dismissed their criticisms firmly. He told them they did not know what they were talking about.

He framed the fight as a battle for survival against barbarians. He noted that Israel has fought on seven fronts for three years. He listed Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Iran among the enemies.

He said these groups tried to wipe Israel off the map. He claimed they failed because Israel delivered crippling blows. He credited American partners for helping in this effort.

He then turned his attention to the protesters directly. He asked where they were when Iranian civilians were harmed. He questioned why they did not protest against Iranian leaders.

He called them phony human rights protesters. Netanyahu also offered praise for United States leadership. He thanked President Donald Trump for his bold actions.

He said Trump confronted a danger to America and the world. He argued that together they saved civilization. He warned that unchecked fanaticism would have caused disaster.

Finally, he addressed the war for truth in the media. He called out New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani by name. He labeled Mamdani as anti-semitic and tried to silence him.

Netanyahu said he could not be silenced. He insisted the truth would prevail despite the noise.