Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu Defends Military Actions at UN General Assembly

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended his country's military campaigns across the Middle East during an address to the United Nations General Assembly, where dozens of delegates walked out as he took the stage. Netanyahu vowed to continue fighting in Iran, Gaza, and other regions, rejecting claims that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza and stating, "We're going to win. We have no other choice."

Addressing the walkout, Netanyahu called those who left "moral cowards." He launched sharp criticism at international leaders and critics, calling Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan a "tyrant" for supporting Hamas, and dismissing criticism from Britain and France regarding colonialism. He also targeted New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, alleging that many Jews no longer feel safe in the city under his tenure. In response, Mamdani's office issued a statement accusing Netanyahu of repeating baseless lies to sanitize actions in Palestine.

Palestinian Address and International Backlash

Hours before Netanyahu's speech, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the assembly via a pre-recorded video link, having been denied a US entry visa. Abbas stated that Israeli policies, particularly the expansion of Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, threaten the existence of the Palestinian people and jeopardize the two-state solution. He stated that Palestinians in Gaza are experiencing a "genocidal war" involving killing, destruction, starvation, and attempts at displacement.

Israel consistently denies genocide allegations, maintaining its military campaign is an act of self-defence. The claims follow a declaration by the International Association of Genocide Scholars stating that Israel's military conduct meets the legal definition of genocide under the UN convention. Netanyahu currently faces an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for alleged war crimes.

Electoral Context and Demonstrations

Netanyahu's address comes ahead of a critical domestic election in Israel next month, the first since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack that resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken. Israel's subsequent ground offensive and military actions have resulted in the deaths of over 73,920 people in Gaza, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry. With his religious-right coalition trailing in polls, political opponents have questioned Netanyahu's fitness for office over allegations that he ignored warnings preceding the October 7 attack, which he denies.

During his speech, Netanyahu thanked US President Donald Trump for his leadership, referencing joint US-Israeli air strikes launched against Tehran in February over suspected nuclear weapon developments, a charge Iran denies. Outside the UN headquarters, New York City police detained several individuals during an unscheduled demonstration blocking a junction. Those detained included actress Susan Sarandon, actress Hannah Einbinder, congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier, and city council member Chi Osse.