WATCH: Mass walkout before Netanyahu speech prompts fiery response from Israeli prime minister

By Fox News · Fox News

A mass walkout of delegates before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ’s address to the United Nations General Assembly prompted a fiery response from the Israeli leader. As Netanyahu took the stage, dozens of delegates from across the globe could be seen streaming out of the chamber in New York City. Chants of protest could also be heard in the hall as the U.N. president called the assembly to order. After taking the stage, Netanyahu said, "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," as cheers erupted from the remaining delegates in the chamber. THE TOP MOMENTS FROM IRAN PRESIDENT’S TENSE VISIT TO US SOIL AS WAR RAGES The Israeli leader did not let up for the rest of his address. He began by laying out what he described as the stakes of the conflict in Iran . He proclaimed that "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?" he continued. "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 the leaders even thanked us privately for taking out Iran's nukes." "It's hard to imagine more mind blowing hypocrisy, but that's exactly what it is," said Netanyahu. MELANIA TRUMP’S HOME-COUNTRY LEADER RIPS UN ‘DOUBLE STANDARDS’ AS TRUMP PROMISE IS REVEALED The protests came as conflict in the Middle East continued and Israel faced criticism over its actions in the region. Netanyahu's address drew protests from delegates inside the U.N. chamber and demonstrators outside the building, including Hollywood celebrities Elliot Page and Susan Sarandon. Despite the protests, the prime minister delivered a defiant message, telling critics, "You don't know what you're talking about." He cast Israel…