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ISRAELI Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a combative speech at the United Nations General Assembly on Friday, lashing out at key Western allies for recognising Palestinian statehood and accusing them of rewarding terrorism. His remarks prompted walkouts by scores of delegates and fierce condemnation from the Arab world.
"This week, the leaders of France, Britain, Australia, Canada and other countries unconditionally recognised a Palestinian state," Reuters reported Netanyahu telling the assembly. "They did so after the horrors committed by Hamas on October 7 — horrors praised on that day by nearly 90% of the Palestinian population."
"You know what message the leaders who recognise the Palestinian state this week sent to the Palestinians? It's a very clear message: murdering Jews pays off."
The Israeli leader, presiding over what is widely seen as the most right-wing government in the country's history, used the platform to push back against growing international frustration over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. He reiterated Israel’s opposition to Palestinian statehood, which has gained diplomatic momentum in recent months.
While Netanyahu received a standing ovation from some in the gallery, many delegates walked out in protest. Meanwhile, thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered outside near Times Square, causing major traffic disruptions in New York.
Netanyahu accused the international community of cowardice and hypocrisy. "Over time, many world leaders buckled. They buckled under the pressure of a biased media, radical Islamist constituencies and antisemitic mobs... Behind closed doors, many of the leaders who publicly condemn us privately thank us," he claimed.
His remarks came amid mounting international scrutiny. Israel faces accusations of war crimes, and Netanyahu himself is subject to an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over the war in Gaza — charges he strongly denies. “I reject the false charge of genocide,” he said, dismissing the ICC’s jurisdiction.
The Hamas-run Gaza media office denounced his speech as “filled with lies and blatant contradictions”, accusing the Israeli government of attempting to justify “war crimes and acts of genocide”.
Since Hamas's deadly 7 October 2023 assault on southern Israel, which killed approximately 1,200 people, Israel has launched a military response that has killed over 65,000 people in Gaza, according to local health authorities. The offensive has left the territory devastated and sparked a diplomatic shift, with several countries — including Australia, France, Canada and the UK — formally recognising a Palestinian state.
Speaking shortly after Netanyahu, Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, whose government recognised Palestinian statehood last year, said: “Israel's actions in Gaza represent an abandonment of all norms, all international rules and law.”
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, speaking via video after being denied a US visa, thanked those nations recognising Palestine and reaffirmed his readiness to govern a post-war Gaza. He called for Hamas to be disarmed and excluded from future governance.
Netanyahu also used the speech to address the hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza, delivering part of his remarks in Hebrew: “Much of the world no longer remembers October 7. But we remember... We’ve not forgotten you — not even for a second.”
He revealed that Israeli authorities had installed loudspeakers along the Gaza border to broadcast his message, hoping that hostages might hear his promise that Israel “will not rest” until they are freed.
Back in Washington, President Donald Trump told reporters for a second consecutive day that a deal to end the war and secure the release of remaining hostages was “close”, though he offered no details. Trump is set to meet Netanyahu at the White House on Monday for further talks.
Despite his defiant stance, Netanyahu is facing increasing pressure at home. Polls suggest growing war fatigue among the Israeli public, and families of the hostages are demanding action. Yet Netanyahu remains firm: “We will finish the job.”
Still, tensions are emerging between Israel and the White House. Trump told reporters that he would not allow Israel to annex the West Bank — a move advocated by some of Netanyahu’s far-right ministers as a response to growing international recognition of Palestinian sovereignty. “It’s not going to happen,” Trump said.
Analysts warn that any annexation could threaten the Abraham Accords, the Trump-brokered normalisation deals between Israel and several Arab states. Netanyahu did not mention annexation in his speech but praised Trump’s efforts to combat what he termed “antisemitism” on US campuses, amid rising tensions between pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian student groups.
Meanwhile, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid said Netanyahu had “worsened Israel’s situation today”, accusing him of fuelling a diplomatic backlash.
While several nations have recognised Palestine, full UN membership remains unlikely without approval from the Security Council — where the United States holds a veto. - September 27, 2025