Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has delivered a combative address at the 81st United Nations General Assembly, sharply criticising Israel’s opponents and several Western allies while defending his country’s actions in the Gaza war.
Netanyahu’s speech on Thursday was met with a walkout by dozens of diplomats, some of whom jeered and booed as he began speaking. Supporters in the gallery, meanwhile, applauded and chanted in support of Israel.
The Israeli leader described those leaving the chamber as “moral cowards” and accused critics of Israel of attempting to silence him.
He directed particular criticism at New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has accused Netanyahu of war crimes and previously said he would seek to enforce an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against him if he visited New York. Mamdani later acknowledged that the mayor’s office did not have such authority.
Netanyahu also criticised Britain, France and Türkiye, accusing Western European leaders of yielding to what he described as antisemitic pressure. Britain, France and Canada recently announced sanctions targeting Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.
He further attacked Iran, Qatar and Türkiye while defending Israel’s military conduct and rejecting accusations that Israel’s campaign in Gaza amounts to genocide. Netanyahu maintained that Israel was acting in self-defence following the Hamas-led attacks of October 2023.
The speech came as Israel faces growing diplomatic criticism over the Gaza conflict and ahead of its October 27 election, adding a domestic political dimension to Netanyahu’s appearance at the UN.
The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants in 2024 for Netanyahu and his then-defence minister, citing alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. Netanyahu rejects the allegations.
Outside the UN headquarters, protesters demonstrated against Netanyahu’s visit, with some carrying banners accusing Israel of genocide. Several people were detained during the demonstrations.
Netanyahu’s address ultimately highlighted the widening divide over Israel’s conduct in Gaza, with his strongest supporters applauding inside the chamber while numerous international delegates walked out in protest.
