Israeli Delegates Check Who Abandoned Netanyahu as 100+ Walk Out of UN Speech

More than 100 UN delegates walked out as Benjamin Netanyahu took the podium in New York, leaving the Israeli prime minister facing a dramatically thinned chamber before delivering a fiery defence of Israel.

After the speech, Israeli UN ambassador Danny Danon approached an Iranian diplomat carrying the Starlink terminal Netanyahu had just displayed.

The encounter turned Netanyahu's message to Tehran into a face-to-face exchange over internet access, Iran and its government.

Mass Walkout Greets Netanyahu

As Netanyahu began speaking at the 81st UN General Assembly on 24 September, delegates rose and streamed out of the chamber. Foreign Policy reported that more than 100 delegates walked out, while other reports described dozens of envoys leaving.

Netanyahu called those who walked out 'moral cowards' and continued his defence of Israel's actions in Gaza and against Iran. He also attacked critics, including New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

Netanyahu immediately addressed those leaving, saying: 'If there are any other moral cowards who haven't yet left this hall, please do so now.'

He then used the speech to defend Israel's actions in Gaza and against Iran, while attacking international critics, including New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

Netanyahu Holds up Starlink

The speech took an unexpected turn when Netanyahu held up a Starlink communications device while discussing Iran's restrictions on internet access.

He argued that the technology could help Iranians access information and communicate more freely. Netanyahu said he would leave the device with the UN president so it could be passed to Iran's delegation.

He added that if Iranian officials eventually defected, they could use the technology to tell their stories on social media.

That did not remain a symbolic gesture for long.

Danon Takes the Device to Iran

After Netanyahu finished speaking, Danon approached an Iranian representative with the same Starlink terminal.

Footage showed Danon trying to hand the device to Nasser Asadi, an Iranian diplomat, and asking whether he wanted to take it back to Tehran. Asadi did not engage with him or accept the device.

Danon then delivered a blunt message. He said the device could help Iranian people gain freedom and told Asadi: 'We love the Iranian people, and we pray for regime change in Iran.'

He also asked the Iranian diplomat whether he wanted to deliver the Starlink device back to Tehran.

The Iranian representative's refusal brought an unusual end to an already tense UN appearance.

Why Starlink Became the Flashpoint

The exchange carried particular weight because Iran had imposed a months-long internet blackout in January 2026 amid widespread protests. The Times of Israel reported that the blackout was officially ended in late May.

That backdrop helps explain why Netanyahu singled out Starlink during his address. He presented satellite internet as a way for Iranians to access information despite restrictions imposed by the government.

Danon's decision to personally offer the terminal to an Iranian representative then took that message off the podium and directly into the UN delegation area.

The Numbers Behind the Walkout

The size of the walkout has generated different figures, depending on what is being counted.

Foreign Policy reported more than 100 delegates leaving their seats and exiting the assembly hall. Separately, Israeli reporting has referred to a tally of 77 delegations that were absent or left at the start of Netanyahu's remarks. That figure should not be treated as 77 confirmed physical walkouts, because it includes delegations that were already absent.

What is clear from the reporting and footage is that the departures were substantial and began as Netanyahu took the podium. CBS and the Associated Press also reported widespread departures as Netanyahu began speaking.

The Iranian delegation was among those whose seats were empty during the speech, according to Israeli reporting, making Danon's later attempt to hand an Iranian representative the Starlink device an especially striking sequel.

A Dramatic End to Netanyahu's UN Appearance

Netanyahu's address was already marked by a mass departure, sharp exchanges with critics and his attacks on Iran and other governments.

Then came Danon, carrying Netanyahu's Starlink terminal directly towards an Iranian diplomat.

The device was not accepted. But the image captured the unusual character of the encounter, with an Israeli envoy attempting to hand an Iranian representative a communications device immediately after Netanyahu had used the same technology as a symbol of opposition to Tehran's internet restrictions.

What began as a dramatic walkout ended with an unusual diplomatic encounter on the UN floor.