![New York Police Department (NYPD) officers and U.S. Secret Service (USSS) personnel maintain a heavy security presence around the United Nations Headquarters as New York hosts nearly 200 heads of state and government, ministers, diplomats, civil society representatives and journalists attending the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), in New York, United States, on September 23, 2026. [Mehmet Ali Özcan - Anadolu Agency]](https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/AA-20260924-42554216-42554209-81ST_UNITED_NATIONS_GENERAL_ASSEMBLY-scaled-e1790238331338.jpg)
The mass departure of 77 delegations from the UN General Assembly hall shortly before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech sparked widespread reaction on social media, with users describing the scene as a major blow to Israel and a sign of its growing international isolation. Footage showed most delegations leaving the hall before Netanyahu began speaking, while the prime minister appeared visibly uncomfortable as only a limited number of people remained and protesters chanted slogans. According to Israeli reports, representatives of 77 countries were absent during Netanyahu’s speech, with several delegations leaving shortly before it began, while representatives of other countries had not been in their seats from the outset. The departure drew significant attention in the Israeli media. Channel […]
