Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a confrontational speech at the United Nations General Assembly, targeting Britain and other Western nations for their criticism of Israel’s policies in the occupied Palestinian territories. Speaking amid a backdrop of diplomatic tensions, Netanyahu accused traditional allies of hypocrisy, particularly in their condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank.
Addressing delegates, Netanyahu challenged accusations of colonialism directed at Israel, noting that the concept was originally coined by European powers such as Britain and France. He dismissed claims of genocide in Gaza as “the biggest lie of the century,” emphasizing Israel’s right to defend itself. His remarks drew a mix of applause and protests, including a significant walkout by several hundred delegates before he began speaking.
Netanyahu’s speech came shortly after the United Kingdom announced new sanctions targeting Israeli settlements in the West Bank. UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband described the settlements as a source of “ethnic cleansing” carried out by “settler terrorists,” prompting sharp Israeli criticism. Netanyahu condemned Britain and France for their formal recognition of a Palestinian state, calling it a “mark of shame” and accusing these countries of rewarding terrorism.
In his address, Netanyahu framed Israel’s military campaigns across the region — including actions targeting Iran, Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza — as vital to its survival. He asserted that Israel had successfully conducted operations against Iran’s nuclear facilities, describing the decision as straightforward. “We are going to win, we have no other choice,” he said repeatedly, underlining the existential stakes Israel faces amid ongoing conflicts.
The speech took place amid growing domestic and international scrutiny of Netanyahu’s leadership. Since the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, Israel has been engaged in multiple conflicts, and Netanyahu’s relations with the United States have notably deteriorated over the protracted war against Iran. With Israeli elections approaching, Netanyahu faces mounting pressure both at home and abroad.
Netanyahu also addressed personal political disputes during his speech, responding sharply to New York City’s socialist mayor, Zohran Mamdani, who had called him a war criminal and attempted to block his participation at the UN. Netanyahu accused those making such allegations of spreading lies and labeled them shameful, extending his criticism to what he described as “anti-Semitic mobs” influencing European leaders.
The prime minister’s forceful address underscored Israel’s defensive stance while highlighting the deepening international divisions over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the broader Middle East situation.