Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a forceful address to the United Nations General Assembly, fiercely justifying his country’s military operations across the Middle East, including campaigns in Gaza and Iran. The speech was marred by diplomatic tension as dozens of delegates exited the hall in protest before he began speaking.
Unfazed by the walkout, Netanyahu vowed that Israel would persevere in its battles, stating, “We’re going to win. We have no other choice.” He then challenged remaining attendees, sarcastically asking any “moral cowards” who had stayed behind to leave as well. During his address, he categorically rejected allegations that Israel is committing genocide in the Gaza Strip.
The controversy preceded Netanyahu’s speech, with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas issuing a recorded statement to the assembly. Abbas, who was unable to attend in person due to a denied US visa, warned that Israeli policies—specifically the expansion of West Bank settlements—threatened the existence of the Palestinian people and undermined the two-state solution. Describing the situation in Gaza, Abbas accused the Israeli military of waging a “genocidal war” involving killing, starvation, and displacement.
Netanyahu, who faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes, launched sharp critiques at several world leaders and nations. He mocked accusations of colonialism, noting that critics in countries like Britain and France were the originators of the term. He also labeled Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan a “tyrant” for his support of Hamas, while condemning New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani for creating an environment where Jews no longer feel safe. Mamdani’s office responded by accusing Netanyahu of spreading lies to sanitize what they termed a genocide against Palestinians.
The Israeli Prime Minister expressed gratitude to US President Donald Trump for his “bold leadership,” particularly regarding the joint US-Israel air strikes against Iran in February. These strikes were conducted amid suspicions that Iran was secretly developing nuclear weapons, claims Tehran denies. Iran subsequently retaliated with missile and drone attacks on Israel and Gulf states hosting US bases.
Protests against Netanyahu’s presence in New York led to the detention of several demonstrators, including Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon and Emmy winner Hannah Einbinder. The conflict in Gaza, triggered by the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack that killed approximately 1,200 Israelis and took 251 hostages, has resulted in over 73,920 Palestinian deaths according to Gaza’s health ministry. Last year, the International Association of Genocide Scholars passed a resolution stating that Israel’s conduct in Gaza meets the legal definition of genocide, a charge Israel continues to deny, asserting its actions are acts of self-defense.
Sarandon getting detained is insane. Free speech has clearly taken a backseat in New York right now.
The ICC warrant adds such a heavy layer to this. It’s wild he’s mocking leaders while facing arrest charges himself.