Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that countries whose representatives protested his appearance at the United Nations are among those benefiting from Israel’s military campaign against Iran.

Netanyahu made the assertion on Thursday during his address to the UN General Assembly in New York, shortly after dozens of delegates left the chamber in protest against his government’s actions.

Addressing the departures, the Israeli leader accused the protesting representatives of hypocrisy and challenged others who disagreed with him to leave the hall as well.

Netanyahu devoted much of his speech to defending Israel’s attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities, arguing that destroying the sites was necessary to prevent what he described as a threat to Israel and other countries.

He said the decision to strike Iran’s nuclear programme was difficult but ultimately straightforward because, in his view, failing to act would have placed Israel and other nations at greater risk.

The Israeli prime minister also claimed that some foreign leaders had privately expressed appreciation for Israel’s military action, despite the public opposition displayed by their delegations at the UN.

Netanyahu later drew on episodes from Israel’s history, including the 1967 Six-Day War and the 1976 Entebbe hostage rescue led by his brother, Yoni Netanyahu.

The confrontation at the General Assembly came days after Iran’s delegation also walked out during US President Donald Trump’s address, following his threat against Tehran over stalled negotiations.