India, Sept. 25 -- NEW YORK - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced an extraordinary display of diplomatic hostility at the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, as dozens of international envoys staged a coordinated walkout moments before he took the podium. Amid a backdrop of loud jeers, boos, and widespread empty seats across the vast assembly hall, the Israeli leader forcefully pushed back against his critics, issuing a blistering rebuke to the departing diplomats and defending his government's military strategy in the Middle East.

The chaotic scenes unfolded following an active appeal distributed by the Palestinian Mission to member delegations, urging international representatives to empty the chamber in protest o...