Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses a nearly empty UN General Assembly hall after mass walkouts during his speech on Gaza and Palestine Statehood: Image: The Boston Globe.
(The Post News) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a defiant and combative speech to the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Friday, vowing to continue Israel’s war in Gaza and denouncing Western nations for their embrace of a Palestinian state. His address was delivered, however, to a half-empty room after several dozen delegations walked out.
The speech came just days after the United Kingdom, France, Canada, Australia, and several other U.S. allies defied Washington to formally recognize Palestinian statehood. The step made 157 of 193 UN member states that recognize Palestine, further diplomatically isolating Israel abroad.
Netanyahu rejected the recognition outright, stating a two-state solution was “sheer madness.” “Granting the Palestinians a state a mile from Jerusalem after October 7 is like granting al-Qaeda a state a mile from New York City after September 11,” he said. “It’s insane, and we won’t do it.”
Empty Hall, Stinging Criticism
As Netanyahu ascended the podium, more than 100 diplomats from over 50 countries filed out of the room. The theatrical protest cleared much of the 1,800-seat UN General Assembly hall. While the United States and the United Kingdom did not depart, their places were occupied by junior diplomats rather than senior officials.
Netanyahu persisted, arguing that some world leaders who publicly castigate Israel privately thank him for Israeli intelligence aid. He did not identify those leaders but claimed Israel’s cooperation had prevented terrorist attacks on foreign capitals.
Meanwhile, protesters numbering in the thousands jammed streets near the UN headquarters in midtown Manhattan. They swarmed Times Square, demonstrating against Israel’s war in Gaza and demanding a ceasefire.
The Israeli prime minister made his remarks just hours after new air raids killed at least 22 people in Gaza, according to civil defense officials. Al Jazeera heard that 47 people had died by nightfall, among them eight people in a strike on a camp for displaced families in Nuseirat.
Gaza’s health ministry, controlled by Hamas, says more than 65,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s military action, which began after Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel. The attack killed 1,200 people and took 251 others captive.
Netanyahu insisted Israel needed to push its assault on Gaza City, the last Hamas stronghold, he claimed. “The last vestiges of Hamas are cowering in Gaza City,” he said. “Israel needs to finish the job to not have to deal with October 7 time and again.” He denied accusations of genocide from UN bodies and foreign prosecutors. “Would a country committing genocide plead with civilians to vacate zones of fighting? Of course not,” Netanyahu said.
Netanyahu’s speech also highlighted growing tension with U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump on Thursday announced he would not allow Israel to annex parts of the West Bank despite pressure from Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition. “I will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank. It’s not going to happen,” Trump said.
Hardline members of Netanyahu’s government have proposed annexing as much as 82% of the West Bank, a move that alarms U.S. allies like the United Kingdom. Netanyahu avoided the subject on Friday, saying he would speak after his Monday White House meeting with Trump.
Netanyahu Slams Western Leaders for Palestine Statehood Recognition
However, he assailed Western governments that had recognized Palestine: “You didn’t do something right. You did something horribly wrong. He added that their “shameful” act will incite terrorism against innocent people worldwide, including Jews.
In a dramatic address, Netanyahu unveiled a map entitled “The Curse” of Iranian proxy forces across the Middle East. He praised Trump for commanding U.S. strikes on Iran’s Fordo nuclear plant in June, stating the bombing eliminated “a mortal threat to the civilized world.”
He also issued a direct ultimatum to Hamas. Speaking to cameras, Netanyahu demanded the release of 48 hostages still held in Gaza: “Lay down your arms. Free the hostages. All of them. If you do, you will live. If not, Israel will hunt you down.”
Netanyahu’s office stated that his speech was transmitted into Gaza through loudspeakers positioned along the border fence and even taken over onto individuals’ phones. Associated Press and BBC reporters in Gaza did not hear any phone broadcasts.
Domestic and Global Backlash
In Israel, political opponents mocked Netanyahu’s UN address. Former Prime Minister Yair Lapid called the speech “a tired and complaining speech full of gimmicks.” Yair Golan, head of the Democrats party, condemned the loudspeaker stunt as “childish, crazy, and humiliating.”
UN Secretary-General António Guterres denounced Israel’s bombing in Gaza, labeling the conflict “the most devastating war in my term.” He urged Israel to comply with International Court of Justice decisions to prevent genocide and allow unhindered humanitarian aid. The emir of Qatar had already labelled Israel a “rogue government” earlier this week due to an attack in Doha that killed Hamas negotiators.
Netanyahu’s trip to New York also illustrated the consequences of his growing isolation. Flight data showed that his plane avoided the airspace of countries that could enforce the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant against him. Israel and the United States both reject the ICC’s jurisdiction, but the warrant has already curbed Netanyahu’s overseas travel.
As the war nears its second anniversary, Israel is facing growing pressure from abroad and deepening political rifts at home. Netanyahu framed his UN speech as a declaration of resolve, but critics saw an isolated leader turning to drama instead of diplomacy.
Whether next week’s Trump meeting will provide clarity or further polarization, time will tell. For now, one thing is sure, as stated by Netanyahu: Israel’s Gaza war will continue until he decides the “job is done.”
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