In a highly charged address to the United Nations General Assembly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented a staunch defense of his country’s military actions, drawing sharp criticism and prompting walkouts by representatives from dozens of nations.
Netanyahu began his speech by detailing Israel’s efforts against various regional adversaries, claiming these actions had neutralized threats. He then read aloud the names of 20 hostages still held in Gaza, asserting, “We have not forgotten you.” In a notable and controversial move, Israel reportedly broadcast his speech into Gaza via loudspeakers and a cellphone livestream, though local reports indicated residents did not hear it.
A central theme of Netanyahu’s address was his unequivocal rejection of a Palestinian state, declaring that Israelis “will not commit national suicide” by allowing its creation. He chastised nations that have recently recognized Palestinian statehood, including close allies like France, Britain, and Canada, suggesting they sent an “antisemitic message: ‘Murdering Jews pays off.’” This stance deepens Israel’s international isolation, which has intensified amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The Prime Minister also wore a striking visual aid: a QR code on his lapel. He urged attendees and viewers to scan it, explaining that it linked to a website featuring graphic images and videos from the October 7, 2023, attacks on southern Israel. “Much of the world no longer remembers Oct. 7,” he stated, “But we remember. Israel remembers. You, too, will see why we fight and why we must win. It’s all in here.” The website, displaying gruesome evidence of the attacks that killed approximately 1,200 civilians and led to 250 hostage abductions, also accused Hamas of war crimes. However, it’s worth noting that Netanyahu himself faces war crimes accusations from the International Criminal Court.
Addressing claims of genocide in Gaza, Netanyahu vehemently denied them, citing Israel’s evacuation orders for civilians as proof. He compared these actions to Nazi Germany, a comparison that has drawn strong condemnation. However, human rights organizations, including Israeli groups like B’Tselem, argue that Israel’s tactics—including mass displacement, razing cities, extensive civilian casualties (over 65,000 reported by Gaza health authorities), and restrictions on aid—constitute a coordinated effort to destroy Palestinian society in Gaza.
Netanyahu also shifted blame for the humanitarian crisis, stating that any hunger in Gaza was due to Hamas stealing UN aid, a claim that lacks consistent support from some Israeli military officials and is contradicted by food security experts who report widespread famine.
The speech concluded with Netanyahu accusing world leaders of “buckling and caving” when facing pressure related to Israel, asserting that his country is fighting a “seven-front war with little support.” He directly challenged Hamas fighters to “Free the hostages now. If you do, you will live. If you don’t, Israel will hunt you down.”
Outside the UN, thousands of protesters gathered in New York City, demonstrating against Netanyahu and U.S. support for Israel. They chanted slogans such as “Netanyahu, you can’t hide, we charge you with genocide!” and called for his arrest. The protests highlighted growing public discontent, with a recent poll indicating stronger sympathy for Palestinians than Israel among New York City voters. Furthermore, Netanyahu’s journey to New York involved a circuitous flight path, reportedly to avoid the airspace of European nations that are signatories to the Rome Statute and critical of Israel’s actions.
Domestically, Netanyahu faces intense pressure, with his right-wing coalition calling for the annexation of the West Bank. This has put him at odds with former President Trump, who recently assured Arab leaders he would not permit such annexation. Meanwhile, Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian Authority president, delivered his own address to the U.N. via video, expressing willingness for the PA to govern Gaza post-conflict, a role Netanyahu opposes. Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with Trump in Washington, marking their fourth meeting since Trump began his second term.