Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday, mounting a combative defense of Israel's military actions across the Middle East while fiercely criticizing his detractors. Facing international isolation and looming domestic elections, Netanyahu rejected accusations regarding Israel's campaign in Gaza, describing the military operations as the opposite of genocide.

Advertisement

Walkout Prompts Sharp Retort From Israeli Leader

As Benjamin Netanyahu walked to the podium in the General Assembly Hall, dozens of diplomatic delegates staged a coordinated walkout. The sudden departure of officials, organized after a Palestinian call to protest Israel's military campaign and occupation, led the session's speaker to pound the gavel and demand order in the hall.

Netanyahu immediately addressed the departing envoys before beginning his prepared speech. "If there are any other moral cowards in the audience, I urge them to walk out," Netanyahu told the assembly. He also invoked his late brother Yonatan Netanyahu, who died during the 1976 hostage rescue in Entebbe, Uganda, repeating the line: "We are going to win. We have no other choice."

Rejection of Genocide Claims and Attacks on Critics

During his address, Netanyahu forcefully denied allegations that Israel is committing genocide in the Gaza conflict. "So, to all those spreading these lies about my country and about our brave soldiers, whether they sit in this hall or in the office of the antisemitic mayor of New York, I say this: shame on you!" he said, specifically targeting New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Netanyahu characterized Israel's military operations as "the opposite of genocide."

Beyond Mamdani, Netanyahu took aim at several other prominent figures. He labeled Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan a "tyrant" who hosts Hamas terrorists, while also directing criticism at the international media and leftwing commentator Hasan Piker. The Israeli leader also argued that Tehran had posed an existential danger to global security, defending joint strikes conducted with the United States against Iranian nuclear sites in February.

Palestinian Video Address Highlights Growing Tensions

Netanyahu's speech came amid demonstrations on the streets of New York City and followed an address by Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas. Abbas delivered his remarks via video link from Ramallah, after stating that his delegation was denied visas by the United States administration to attend the summit in person.

In his broadcast, Abbas warned the international community against allowing "another Nakba." He denounced Israeli actions across the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza, characterizing government policies as an effort to expand settlement control and erase the Palestinian presence.