Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a forceful address to the United Nations General Assembly, emphasizing Israel’s ongoing struggle for survival amid regional and international challenges. Speaking in New York, Netanyahu underscored the existential threats facing Israel, drawing on historical references and current geopolitical tensions to defend his country’s actions and policies.
Netanyahu opened his speech by addressing the delegations who walked out as he began speaking, referring to them as “moral cowards” for abandoning the Israeli leader amid what he described as a critical moment for his nation. He framed Israel’s situation as a continuous fight against entities determined to its destruction, highlighting the perceived abandonment by some traditional allies in Europe and the growing isolation Israel faces on the world stage.
A prominent theme of the address was Israel’s imperative to win every conflict it engages in, as defeat would signify the end of the state’s existence. Netanyahu recounted a personal story about his late brother, Yonatan Netanyahu, who had used the phrase “we have no other choice” during the 1967 Six-Day War and again shortly before his death leading a hostage rescue operation in Entebbe, Uganda, in 1976. This personal anecdote served to illustrate the broader message of necessity and survival that Netanyahu conveyed.
Regarding accusations against Israel, Netanyahu strongly rejected claims that Israeli military actions in Gaza constituted genocide, instead describing the Israel Defense Forces as “the most moral army in the world.” He attributed criticism of Israel and its close ally, the United States, to hatred driven by opponents such as Iran, which he characterized as a despotic regime committed to Israel’s destruction. Netanyahu emphasized the ongoing threat posed by the Iranian government since its 1979 Islamic revolution, noting its hostile rhetoric toward Israel and the West.
In his address, Netanyahu praised the leadership of former U.S. President Donald Trump for supporting Israel in confronting Iran’s nuclear ambitions, including referring to preemptive strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities as necessary for regional and global safety. He asserted that Israel’s actions are defensive measures borne out of necessity rather than aggression.
Additionally, Netanyahu criticized New York City Mayor Adams Mamdani, labeling him a radical whose leadership reflected hostility toward Israel and its legitimacy as a Jewish homeland.
The UN session highlighted the polarized international perspectives on Israel’s policies. While many delegations chose to walk out during Netanyahu’s speech, viewing it as provocative, others remained to listen as Israel’s prime minister delivered a direct and unapologetic defense of his country’s position. Netanyahu’s performance was widely seen as aimed both at an international audience and at Israeli voters ahead of upcoming elections, reinforcing his long-standing role as a tactician and prominent advocate for Israel’s security.
Overall, the speech reinforced Israel’s stance on its right to self-defense amid complex regional dynamics, emphasizing its determination to confront perceived threats to its survival while navigating criticism and diplomatic challenges on the global stage.