Tonga Says Its Delegate Stayed Seated for Netanyahu's U.N. Speech, Denies Joining Walkout

Tonga's government rejected reports that its delegation joined the walkout during Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to the 81st U.N. General Assembly on Thursday, saying a Tongan representative remained in the chamber. An Israeli count had listed Tonga among 77 countries whose delegations were absent or left as Netanyahu began speaking, though Israeli officials acknowledged not all had joined the organized walkout. "Tonga did not walk out, and we had a representative present during Israel's statement," said Elizabeth Kite, communications adviser to Tonga's prime minister, citing U.N. Web TV footage. In December 2025, Tonga was among 12 countries voting against a General Assembly resolution welcoming an ICJ advisory opinion on Israel.