In a powerful and unyielding address to the United Nations General Assembly on Friday morning, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vehemently opposed the creation of a Palestinian state and pledged to continue Israel’s military campaign against Hamas until the mission is complete. His speech was a defiant statement against global condemnation, delivered as many world leaders advocate for an end to the devastating conflict in Gaza.
Adding to the dramatic atmosphere, representatives from numerous nations staged a walkout just before Netanyahu began speaking, underscoring the widespread international disapproval of Israel’s actions. Netanyahu asserted that Israel would “not commit national suicide” by allowing a Palestinian state to emerge, and he sharply criticized countries that have recently recognized such a prospect. “It will be a mark of shame on all of you,” he declared.
Speaking to an almost empty hall, Netanyahu opened his speech by recounting Israel’s military operations against opponents in the Middle East, claiming these actions had neutralized threats. He then read aloud the names of hostages still held in Gaza, emphasizing that Israel had deployed loudspeakers into the territory the previous day to broadcast his message directly to them in both English and Hebrew: “We have not forgotten you.”
Furthermore, Netanyahu redirected criticism back at the international community, accusing world leaders of faltering and capitulating “when the going got tough” for Israel. He maintained that Israel is engaged in a multi-front war with minimal international backing, stating, “You condemn us, you embargo us and you wage political and legal warfare — it’s called lawfare — against us.”
Under immense pressure both domestically and internationally, Netanyahu faces accusations of war crimes from the International Criminal Court. This week alone, approximately ten countries, including key allies like France, Britain, and Canada, formally recognized Palestinian statehood as part of broader efforts to achieve a two-state solution.
In response, some members of Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition have advocated for the annexation of all or part of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. However, this proposal is at odds with Israel’s strongest ally, former U.S. President Trump, who recently assured world leaders he would not permit such an annexation.
Key Developments:
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Arab Nations Express Concern: An Israeli airstrike targeting Hamas members in Qatar this month has heightened anxieties among Arab nations with complex relations with Israel, including Jordan and Egypt, who fear for their own security. The invasion of Gaza City is also seen as a warning sign of potential threats to their stability.
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Palestinian Authority’s Role in Gaza: Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the U.N. via video, following his denied U.S. visa. He expressed the Authority’s readiness to assume responsibility for Gaza, explicitly stating Hamas would have no role, a stance Netanyahu opposes.
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Trump Meeting: Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with former President Trump in Washington on Monday, marking their fourth encounter since Trump began his second term in January.
QR Code Controversy:
During his address, Netanyahu prominently wore a QR code on his lapel, encouraging attendees and viewers to scan it to gain a deeper understanding of Israel’s actions since the war in Gaza began. The code led to a website featuring graphic images and videos of the October 7, 2023, attacks on southern Israel, accompanied by a warning for “extreme viewer discretion.”
Netanyahu urged viewers, “Much of the world no longer remembers Oct. 7… But we remember. Israel remembers. You can remember Oct. 7, too. You, too, will see why we fight and why we must win. It’s all in here.” The website details the October 7 raids, reporting approximately 1,200 civilian deaths and 250 hostages taken to Gaza, according to Israeli authorities. The content included disturbing images of blood-stained homes, charred bodies, and victims lined up at a music festival.
While the website accuses Hamas of crimes against humanity, similar charges have been leveled against Netanyahu and Israel regarding their retaliatory actions in Gaza. Health authorities in Gaza report around 65,000 casualties, without distinguishing between civilians and combatants, and over a million Palestinians displaced. The New York Times was unable to independently verify the Israeli claims on the site. Netanyahu reiterated his stance against an independent Palestinian state, declaring, “We will not allow you to shove a terror state down our throats.”
Netanyahu’s Address and Gaza’s Response:
Despite Netanyahu’s claims that his speech was being broadcast live to Gazan cellphones and via loudspeakers, Times reporters in Gaza found no one who could confirm hearing it.
Genocide Accusations and Displacement:
Netanyahu dismissed accusations of genocide and war crimes as “antisemitic lies,” citing Israel’s evacuation orders in Gaza as proof that it avoids civilian casualties. He provocatively questioned, “Did the Nazis ask the Jews to kindly leave, go out?” and insisted Israel does “everything it can to get civilians out of harm’s way.” However, human rights groups, including Israeli organizations like B’Tselem, argue that Israel’s mass displacement, destruction of cities, and restrictions on aid are integral to what they describe as a “coordinated action to intentionally destroy Palestinian society” in Gaza, constituting genocide.
On October 7, 2023, the Israeli military reportedly adjusted its rules of engagement, permitting officers to risk up to 20 civilian deaths per strike, a significant increase from the previous limit of five. As the war approaches its second anniversary, over 65,000 people have been killed in Gaza, encompassing both civilians and combatants.
International Diplomatic Response:
Netanyahu criticized world leaders for their perceived weakness in supporting Israel, stating, “When the going got tough, you caved.” He also accused countries like Britain, France, Canada, and Australia, which recently recognized a Palestinian state, of sending an “antisemitic message: ‘Murdering Jews pays off’.”
Israel’s mission to the U.N. confirmed that the applause during Netanyahu’s speech, delivered to a largely empty hall following the walkouts, came mostly from his invited guests.
Regional Diplomacy and Threats:
Netanyahu lauded the Lebanese government’s stated intent to disarm Hezbollah but demanded “more than words.” He also highlighted Israel’s military successes against Iran and its proxies, including the elimination of Yahya Sinwar in Gaza, Hassan Nasrallah in Lebanon, and “half the Houthi leaders” in Yemen, along with top Iranian military commanders and atomic scientists. He warned Iran-allied militias in Iraq that “their leaders, if they attack Israel, will also be gone,” and cited a pending security agreement with Syria’s new government as evidence of new regional peace possibilities.
Protests in New York City:
Simultaneously with Netanyahu’s speech, thousands of protesters gathered in New York City’s Times Square, holding signs such as “End All U.S. Aid to Israel,” “Arrest Netanyahu,” and “Stop Starving Gaza Now!” The crowd erupted in cheers upon hearing news of the diplomatic walkout, chanting, “Netanyahu you can’t hide, we charge you with genocide!”
Approximately 2,000 demonstrators later marched towards the U.N., blocking several blocks of 42nd Street and Sixth Avenue. Protesters expressed frustration with American apathy and continued support for Israel. David Robinson, 64, of Brooklyn, lamented, “We are watching this going on. It breaks my heart. And I don’t know why everybody isn’t here.”
Charles Hamlin, 63, from New Orleans, traveled for the march and emphasized that Netanyahu, facing war crimes charges from the International Criminal Court, “should not be able to come to New York City and lobby the U.N., Congress or anyone else to try to stave off the two-state solution or try to stave off a cease-fire.”
New York City Mayor Eric Adams also faced criticism for attending Netanyahu’s speech despite the diplomatic walkouts. Leading mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani stated he would honor an International Criminal Court warrant and order Netanyahu’s arrest if he were to enter the city.
U.N. General Assembly Live Stream:
You can watch the U.N. General Assembly proceedings via the embedded YouTube stream.