Benjamin Netanyahu defends military operations in defiant UN speech

A Defiant Scene at the United Nations

The address opened amid visible tension inside the UN General Assembly hall. Several foreign delegations walked out of the chamber before Netanyahu took the podium, while his supporters greeted his entrance by chanting “Am Yisrael Chai” (the people of Israel live). Addressing the room before his remarks, Netanyahu stated, “If there are other cowards who haven’t retreated from the room yet, let them do so now.”

Despite earlier expectations from Israeli officials regarding new intelligence on Iran’s nuclear program, Netanyahu did not present major new evidence. Instead, he focused on themes that have defined his political career, framing Iran as an existential threat to Israel. He defended past Israeli military strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities, describing the decision to target them as one of the easiest he has made.

Invoking History and International Alliances

To underscore his message, Netanyahu invoked the memory of his brother Yoni Netanyahu, who died during the 1976 Entebbe hostage rescue operation in Uganda. He recalled words his brother shared with him during the Six-Day War: “We will win. We have no other choice.” Netanyahu applied this sentiment to Israel’s current military posture against regional adversaries and mounting international pressure.

The Israeli leader referenced the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas, characterizing them as “the darkest day in Israel’s history.” He credited the United States and President Donald Trump for their alliance, thanking Trump for what he termed “bold leadership” aimed at saving civilization and helping secure the return of hostages.

Rejection of Genocide Allegations and Criticism of World Leaders

Addressing widespread international criticism, Netanyahu rejected accusations of genocide against Israel, calling them “the biggest lie of the century.” He asserted that Israel has worked to facilitate the entry of food and vaccines into Gaza, stating, “Israel has not committed a genocide. Israel has prevented a genocide.” On the ground, the Ministry of Health in Gaza reports that more than 73,000 Palestinians have been killed since the outbreak of hostilities following the Hamas-led attacks.

During his speech, Netanyahu also targeted several foreign governments and public figures:

• Criticized the United Kingdom and France over accusations of colonialist policies, pointing to their imperial pasts.
• Accused Qatar of spending billions of dollars to spread false narratives about Israel through universities and media outlets such as Al-Jazeera.
• Labeled Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan a “tyrant.”
• Characterized New York City official Zohran Mamdani as antisemitic and a “friend of Hamas.”

Netanyahu also defended the Israel Defense Forces, describing the military as the “most moral in the world” despite ongoing global scrutiny.

Palestinian Authority Response

Netanyahu’s UN address followed a pre-recorded, 23-minute speech delivered by Palestinian Authority President Mahmud Abbas. Abbas, who was denied a visa by the United States to travel to New York for the second year, accused Israel of carrying out a “genocidal war,” killing civilians, and destroying critical infrastructure.

Abbas additionally denounced the expansion of settlements and the displacement of communities in the West Bank. He reiterated support for a two-state solution, calling for an independent and sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, alongside full United Nations membership. Abbas also urged the implementation of President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan for Gaza.