Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a robust defense of Israel’s actions in the ongoing conflict during a speech at the United Nations on Thursday, aiming to counter mounting international criticism as he campaigns for reelection ahead of elections scheduled for October 27. His address, which lasted approximately 40 minutes and was broadcast live on major Israeli networks, came amid visible divisions within the international community regarding Israel’s conduct in Gaza.
As Netanyahu spoke, dozens of delegates exited the chamber in protest, a move the prime minister sharply condemned by labeling them “moral cowards.” Supporters in the gallery chanted “The people of Israel live” in Hebrew. Netanyahu used the platform to vehemently reject accusations of genocide, asserting instead that “Israel prevented genocide.” He accused New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has described Netanyahu as “the architect of a horrific genocide against Palestinians,” of supporting Hamas militants—an allegation Mamdani has denied. Netanyahu also criticized Western European leaders for what he called their submission to “antisemitic mobs” and accused Qatar and Turkey of spreading misinformation about Israel.
Mamdani, who assumed office in January with a platform that included pursuing legal action against Netanyahu for alleged war crimes, responded by dismissing Netanyahu’s remarks as “baseless lies” aimed at sanitizing what Mamdani described as a genocide of Palestinians. He highlighted that Netanyahu remains subject to an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant, which accuses him of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Ahead of the speech, Netanyahu’s office arranged a prominent pro-Israel campaign in New York City, featuring 500 billboards and truck messages supporting Israel and criticizing Iran. During the address, Netanyahu displayed props, including a document linked to an attack on Iran-backed Hezbollah militants in Lebanon and a Starlink satellite receiver, which he said he would leave for the Iranian delegation as a symbol of support for those opposing the Iranian regime.
Netanyahu praised former U.S. President Donald Trump for his “bold leadership” and described Israel’s fight as ongoing on multiple fronts, emphasizing the country’s need to defend itself to ensure its continuation. However, Netanyahu did not hold any meetings with current U.S. President Donald Trump during this visit to the United States.
Protests took place near the United Nations during his speech, with demonstrators chanting slogans against Israel’s military actions and support from foreign governments. Police detained several protesters for obstructing traffic.
Israel has faced increasing international diplomatic challenges since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict nearly three years ago. Recent sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom, France, and Canada on Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, contrasting with a subdued response from the United States, reflect this growing isolation. Netanyahu criticized these countries’ leaders for succumbing to what he termed antisemitic pressures.
Regarding violence in the West Bank, Netanyahu downplayed incidents involving Israeli settlers, framing them as the actions of a small group of youthful offenders rather than systemic issues, and reiterated his commitment to law and order.
Netanyahu’s U.N. speech underscores the intensifying debate over Israel’s policies and military actions, reflecting broader geopolitical tensions and the polarized perspectives evident both within Israel and internationally ahead of a critical election.