Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the United Nations General Assembly with a forceful rejection of allegations that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza. In his speech, Netanyahu labeled these accusations as false and vigorously defended Israel’s military actions, framing them as necessary for the nation’s security.
Netanyahu’s address also touched on Israel’s recent military attacks on Iran, which he described as among the easiest decisions he has made. He asserted that these actions are crucial for Israel’s defense, claiming that some nations privately support Israel’s stance against Iran. The speech, however, saw a significant number of delegates leave the hall in protest before and during his remarks, to which Netanyahu responded by criticizing those who departed, accusing them of ignoring Israel’s right to self-defense.
The Prime Minister referenced a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, that resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, using this as a justification for Israel’s military campaigns. He expressed gratitude to former U.S. President Donald Trump for his support regarding actions against Iran.
Throughout his speech, Netanyahu dismissed accusations of Israeli war crimes and firmly denied that Israel’s activities in Gaza constitute genocide. In addition to defending Israel’s position on the West Bank, he condemned violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians, stating such actions should not be tolerated.
Netanyahu’s address comes amid ongoing international scrutiny of Israel’s conduct in Gaza and divergent views on the future of Palestinian territories. He reiterated his stance against the establishment of a Palestinian state under his leadership and questioned the Palestinian Authority’s viability as a peace partner.