Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to the United Nations General Assembly was marked by strong defiance and widespread international protest. As he took the podium, representatives from dozens of nations staged a dramatic walkout, underscoring the deepening global disapproval of Israel’s military actions in Gaza. During his speech, Netanyahu firmly rejected the notion of a Palestinian state and demanded the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas, even attempting to broadcast his message directly into Gaza via loudspeakers.
This bold stance comes amidst mounting international pressure, including accusations of war crimes by the International Criminal Court. Just days before his address, approximately ten countries, including key allies like France, Britain, and Canada, formally recognized Palestinian statehood in an effort to advance a two-state solution. Domestically, Netanyahu faces calls from his right-wing coalition to annex parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank, a move that even his strongest ally, former President Donald Trump, has publicly vowed to prevent.
Key Moments & Developments:
- A Hall of Protests: The General Assembly hall was noticeably sparse as Netanyahu spoke, filled mostly by his own invited guests who applauded his points. This mirrored a similar walkout during his address the previous year.
- Direct Appeal to Gaza: Netanyahu claimed his speech was broadcast live to cellphones and through loudspeakers positioned around Gaza. However, reports from Times journalists indicated that residents across Gaza did not hear the broadcast.
- QR Code Controversy: The Prime Minister wore a large button on his lapel featuring a QR code, urging attendees and viewers to scan it. The code linked to a website containing graphic images and videos of the October 7, 2023, attacks on southern Israel, warning of ‘extreme viewer discretion.’ Netanyahu stated, “Much of the world no longer remembers Oct. 7… You, too, will see why we fight and why we must win.”
- Denial of Genocide Claims: Addressing accusations of genocide, Netanyahu argued that Israel’s repeated evacuation orders for Gazan civilians demonstrated its efforts to prevent harm, contrasting this with Nazi actions during the Holocaust. However, human rights groups, including Israeli organizations like B’Tselem, contend that mass displacement, widespread killings, and aid restrictions are indeed hallmarks of a deliberate strategy to destroy Palestinian society in Gaza.
- Accusations Against Critics: Netanyahu lashed out at world leaders, accusing them of “buckling and caving when the going got tough” for Israel. He asserted that Israel is fighting a “seven-front war with little support” and condemned nations recognizing a Palestinian state, claiming they sent an “antisemitic message: ‘Murdering Jews pays off.'”
- Stance on Palestinian Statehood: The Prime Minister reiterated his steadfast opposition to a Palestinian state, declaring, “A Palestinian state will not be established west of the Jordan River.” He accused Palestinians of not supporting a two-state solution, despite his own government’s similar public rejection of the prospect.
- Gaza Hunger Claims: Regarding hunger in Gaza, Netanyahu alleged that Hamas was responsible, having stolen UN aid. This claim has been disputed by some Israeli military officials and food security experts, who report widespread famine and extreme hunger in the enclave.
- Hostage Families’ Outcry: A coalition of hostage families criticized Netanyahu’s speech, particularly his omission of 28 deceased hostages whose remains are still in Gaza, while reading the names of 20 living ones. They expressed outrage at this “erasure” and accused him of jeopardizing opportunities for a ceasefire to bring all hostages home.
Broader International Context:
Israel’s international standing has visibly eroded, marked by a wave of European nations acknowledging Palestinian statehood. This diplomatic pressure is compounded by ongoing legal challenges, including a genocide case brought against Israel by South Africa at the International Court of Justice. This has left many ordinary Israelis fearing harassment or arrest when traveling abroad.
Meanwhile, other global powers used the UN General Assembly to project their influence. China’s Premier Li Qiang presented Beijing as a steadfast defender of the international order, contrasting its multilateral approach with the “disruptive policies” of the Trump administration, especially regarding trade and climate action. Li’s remarks came as relations between Beijing and Washington have seen some stabilization, with President Trump agreeing to a meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in the coming month.
Protests in New York City:
Outside the UN, thousands of protesters filled the streets of New York City, demonstrating against Netanyahu’s presence and Israel’s actions in Gaza. Chanting “Netanyahu you can’t hide, we charge you with genocide!” and holding signs demanding an end to U.S. aid to Israel and an arrest of the Prime Minister, demonstrators marched from Times Square towards the UN headquarters. These protests reflect growing public sentiment, with a recent poll indicating that 44% of New York City voters sympathize more with Palestinians than Israelis. Some local officials, including a leading mayoral candidate, have even called for Netanyahu’s arrest if he sets foot in the city, citing his International Criminal Court war crimes charges.