Belize’s Delegation at UN Did Not Walk Out during Netanyahu’s Address; Foreign Affairs CEO Explains

Turning to other news, contrary to initial reports suggesting that Belize’s delegation joined a walkout during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address at the United Nations General Assembly, Love News has confirmed that Belizean representatives were not present in the hall at the time.  Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oscar Arnold, clarified that a widely circulated graphic map listing Belize among the nations that walked out in protest is inaccurate.

Oscar Arnold, CEO, Ministry of Foreign Affairs: “Being here at the UN for High Level Week we also had several other meetings during the discussions where our delegation had to be split. I believe there was a presentation on restitution and recovering artifacts of cultural heritage that was on our agenda, that was high on our on our agenda because that also had a context of reparations that Belize now also forms part of a commission in the Caribbean. There were other couple of other bilateral, so we didn’t have any of our high level diplomats in the chambers when those discussions were taking place.”

Reporter: But from a foreign affairs level, something you all support? 

Oscar Arnold, CEO, Ministry of Foreign Affairs: “In so far as our foreign affairs policy, we support Palestine. We have always done so. We’ve done so when other countries did not do it, and our support for Palestine will continue.”

Belize has maintained a firm stance on the ongoing conflict in Gaza, having formally suspended diplomatic relations with Israel in November 2023 over its military campaign. However, officials emphasize that this diplomatic position should not be confused with participating in today’s walkout.  As Netanyahu approached the podium, delegates from numerous member states stood up and exited the chamber in protest. Watching the diplomats leave, the Israeli Prime Minister launched a sharp rebuke against those walking out.

Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister, Israel: “Mr. President, before I begin, just a quick announcement. If there are any other moral cowards who haven’t yet left this hall, please do so now. Thank you very much. Ladies and gentlemen, 14 years ago, I stood on this podium and I drew a red line. I vowed to prevent Iran’s murderous dictatorship from developing atomic bombs. Nuclear weapons aimed at destroying Israel, nuclear weapons that could threaten the entire world. That’s exactly what we did. Now let me say something that might surprise you. Devastating Iran’s nuclear facilities was hard. It was very hard to do. But for me, it was one of the easiest decisions I’ve ever had to make as Prime Minister, because if we hadn’t done it, we’d all be dead. Now you want to hear the ultimate irony? In defending itself, Israel is also defending many of the countries whose delegates just left this hall. In fact, I want you to know that many of their leaders even thank us privately for taking out Iran’s nukes, it’s hard to imagine more mind-blowing hypocrisy, but that’s exactly what it is.”

During his address, Netanyahu went on to defend Israel’s military operations and forcefully rejected allegations of genocide in Gaza, characterizing the nation’s actions as necessary self-defense.