In a highly contentious appearance at the United Nations General Assembly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a defiant speech that saw dozens of countries walk out in protest. During his address, Netanyahu firmly rejected the notion of a Palestinian state and vowed to press on with Israel’s military campaign against Hamas until the “job is finished.”
He condemned nations that recently recognized Palestinian statehood, declaring it a “mark of shame on all of you” and an “antisemitic message” that implies “murdering Jews pays off.” Speaking to a largely empty hall, with many seats filled by his invited guests, Netanyahu presented his country’s actions as essential for security, detailing attacks on regional adversaries that he claimed eliminated threats to Israel.
A poignant moment saw Netanyahu read aloud the names of 20 living hostages held in Gaza, stating, “We have not forgotten you.” In an unusual move, Israel deployed loudspeakers in Gaza to broadcast his speech, and his words were reportedly streamed to cellphones in the enclave. However, reporters on the ground indicated that Gazans were largely unable to hear the broadcast. Hostage families themselves, many advocating for a ceasefire, criticized Netanyahu for only naming 20 living hostages, omitting 28 individuals whose remains are still in Gaza, calling it an “erasure” and accusing him of squandering peace opportunities.
The Prime Minister wore a QR code on his lapel, urging attendees to scan it for access to gruesome images and videos from the October 7, 2023 attacks on southern Israel. He asserted this evidence would clarify “why we fight and why we must win,” and reiterated his stance: “We will not allow you to shove a terror state down our throats.”
Netanyahu fiercely pushed back against accusations of war crimes and genocide against Israel, labeling them “antisemitic lies.” He argued that Israel’s repeated evacuation orders for civilians in Gaza demonstrate its efforts to avoid harm, provocatively asking, “Did the Nazis ask the Jews to kindly leave, go out?” Critics, however, point to a shift in Israeli military rules of engagement post-October 7, allowing for a significantly higher number of civilian casualties per strike. Rights groups, including Israeli organizations, consider the extensive displacements, destruction, and aid restrictions in Gaza as evidence of a “coordinated action to intentionally destroy Palestinian society.”
Internationally, Israel faces increasing isolation. About ten countries, including allies like France, Britain, and Canada, have recognized Palestinian statehood in recent days, aiming to advance a two-state solution. This has fueled calls within Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition for the annexation of parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank, a move opposed by President Trump, who recently assured Arab leaders he would not permit it.
Meanwhile, thousands of protesters took to the streets of New York City during Netanyahu’s address, chanting “Arrest Netanyahu” and “Stop Starving Gaza Now!” They cheered news of the UN walkout and condemned continued U.S. support for Israel. Recent polls in New York City showed greater sympathy for Palestinians than for Israel among registered voters.
Adding to the diplomatic drama, Netanyahu’s flight to New York took a circuitous route, avoiding the airspace of France and Spain, both signatories to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, which has issued an arrest warrant for him on war crimes charges. While Netanyahu claims Israel’s conflicts with Iran and its proxies are paving the way for regional peace, other global leaders used the UN platform to advocate for stability. Notably, China’s Premier Li Qiang leveraged his speech to portray Beijing as a defender of the international order, contrasting with what he described as the “unilateral and protectionist measures” of the Trump administration, and reiterated China’s support for a Palestinian state.