Reports circulating after Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began speaking at the 81st UN General Assembly in New York claimed that most countries staged a walkout, suggesting Israel was being isolated internationally.
However, journalists and observers present at the session said the picture was more mixed. They reported that representatives from more than 120 countries remained in the hall to listen—roughly two-thirds of UN member states.
They also noted that delegations from the five veto-wielding powers—United States, China, the United Kingdom, France and Russia—stayed for the speech. Several European countries, including Ireland, which has been sharply critical of Israel, were also present.
According to the accounts, a coordinated protest contributed to the impression of a mass exit. With each country allocated up to six seats, Palestinian representatives had urged supportive states to fill their seats and then leave as Netanyahu began speaking, making the walkout appear larger on television.
Observers said 77 countries took part in the walkout, largely Arab and Islamic states such as Iran, Syria, Yemen and Lebanon, along with several smaller African and Caribbean nations. Among larger countries, Spain, Brazil and South Africa were cited as participants, while the UAE and Bahrain remained in the hall.
