Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, condemning regional adversaries and highlighting efforts by several countries to disseminate anti-Israel narratives. During his speech, Netanyahu accused Qatar and Turkey of financing media campaigns intended to foment hatred against Israel, the United States, and the West. He linked Qatar to support for Hamas militants responsible for the events of October 7, and criticized Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for hosting Hamas leaders and engaging in various regional aggressions.

Netanyahu described Erdogan as a tyrant responsible for the deaths of Kurdish civilians, the imprisonment of journalists, denial of the Armenian genocide, and territorial incursions into Cyprus, Greece, and Syria. The Israeli leader rejected Erdogan’s repeated calls for the destruction of Israel and claims to Jerusalem’s leadership.

Ahead of his address, Netanyahu was welcomed at the UN by Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon. Protests against Netanyahu’s presence took place outside the UN Headquarters in New York, resulting in multiple arrests by police, including that of actress Susan Sarandon.

Netanyahu also held diplomatic meetings on the sidelines of the assembly. He met with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to discuss regional stability, energy cooperation, and advancing tripartite talks with Cyprus. Netanyahu praised Greece’s decision to acquire Israeli defense systems. Additionally, Netanyahu met with Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa, expressing gratitude for Slovenia’s support of Israel and the opening of an Israeli embassy in Ljubljana. The two leaders discussed opportunities for deepening bilateral cooperation, and Jansa was invited to visit Israel.

In related political developments within Israel, the Central Election Committee reviewed disqualification petitions against several political parties and candidates ahead of upcoming elections. The committee debated the eligibility of Otzma Yehudit, the Religious Zionist Party (RZP), Ra’am, the Joint List, and individual candidates Ofer Cassif and Mansour Abbas Abu Shehadeh. While applications to disqualify Cassif and Abu Shehadeh require judicial approval, appeals can be filed against decisions related to the party lists.

Disqualification motions against Otzma Yehudit were submitted by groups including The Democrats and the Zulat Institute for Equality and Human Rights, citing alleged incitement to racism and anti-democratic behavior by party members and leadership, particularly National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. The petitioners referenced ties to extremist movements and support for individuals convicted of involvement in terror attacks. Otzma Yehudit dismissed the charges as politically motivated.

The Central Election Committee rejected attempts to bar Otzma Yehudit and the Religious Zionist Party from running, while the Attorney-General’s Office supported these decisions due to insufficient evidence. The panel also dismissed Otzma Yehudit’s bid to disqualify The Democrats. Legal experts noted that the threshold for party disqualification in Israel remains high, requiring clear and convincing evidence of central prohibited objectives.

Meanwhile, tensions continued to escalate in the Middle East as Yemeni Houthi forces intensified attacks against Saudi Arabia and government-controlled areas in Yemen. Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defense issued warnings concerning the northwestern province of Tabuk near the Jordanian border, a new front following repeated assaults in southern Saudi regions. The Houthis declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia in July and recently seized Yemen’s western coastline, including the strategic Red Sea port near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

On the ground in Yemen, government forces resisted Houthi attacks targeting a critical supply route between Aden and Taiz, Yemen’s third-largest city. Control over this mountain pass is vital for government forces and civilians alike. The conflict marks a resurgence of hostilities after a 2022 truce, part of a 12-year civil war that has displaced thousands and caused significant casualties. The United Nations reports more than 700 deaths and thousands wounded in recent fighting, with significant internal displacement and refugees fleeing the country by sea.

These developments underscore the persistent volatility in the region amid diplomatic efforts and ongoing security challenges.