Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected allegations of genocide in Gaza during his address at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, pointing to humanitarian shipments and polio vaccination drives as counterevidence. Dozens of delegates walked out of the hall prior to his speech, which also featured sharp rebukes of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
UN General Assembly Address and Walkouts
The 81st session of the UN General Assembly saw dramatic scenes as dozens of delegates left the chamber before Benjamin Netanyahu took the podium. According to the Associated Press, the Israeli leader labeled the departing diplomats “moral cowards.” The Palestinian delegation had previously circulated a message urging fellow diplomats to exit the hall in protest.
Taking the floor as the hall filled up, Netanyahu asserted that Israel defends many of the nations whose representatives chose to leave. Netanyahu also expressed confidence that the Iranian people will eventually be free from what he termed a “deadly” regime.
Defense Against Genocide Accusations
Addressing mounting international scrutiny, Netanyahu forcefully denied accusations that Israel is committing genocide in the Gaza Strip. “Which country, that is committing genocide, sends tons of humanitarian aid and millions of polio vaccines?” he asked the assembly. He maintained that Israel is fighting a war on seven fronts while facing an eighth front involving a billion-dollar disinformation campaign funded by various states.
Netanyahu stated that his country will continue to defend itself and ultimately prevail because it has no other choice. He praised U.S. President Donald Trump, declaring that Israel has no greater partner.
Direct Criticism of Turkey and European Powers
The Israeli prime minister leveled sharp attacks against Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, accusing him of attempting to seize control of Syria and branding Turkey a “super-spreader of disinformation” regarding Israel. Netanyahu reiterated that Jerusalem remains the “eternal capital” of Israel in response to Erdoğan’s statements supporting Palestinians.
France and Britain also drew criticism from the Israeli leader for condemning Israel’s colonization policies. According to Agence France-Presse, Netanyahu pointed out that those nations historically built vast global empires, asking how they could accuse Israel of colonialism when they invented the concept.
Regarding violent incidents involving Israeli settlers on the West Bank, Netanyahu dismissed the perpetrators as “a handful of young lawbreakers.” Agence France-Presse noted his assertion that international media disproportionately amplifies the actions of roughly 150 individuals who throw stones and uproot olive trees.
Clashes with New York City Leadership
Shifting focus to domestic American politics, Netanyahu criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, alleging that the mayor’s criticism of military actions in Gaza endangers Jewish residents. In his UN speech, Netanyahu claimed that Mamdani has spread falsehoods about Israel, leaving many local Jews feeling unsafe compared to the past.
Mayor Mamdani has a history of sharp opposition to Israeli military operations in Gaza. The Associated Press noted that Mamdani has previously characterized Netanyahu as a war criminal and the architect of a devastating genocide against Palestinians.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Benjamin Netanyahu say at the UN General Assembly?
Netanyahu rejected genocide allegations against Israel, defended military actions in Gaza, criticized leaders including Turkish President Erdoğan and NYC Mayor Mamdani, and praised U.S. President Donald Trump.
Why did delegates walk out of the UN hall?
Dozens of diplomats exited the General Assembly hall following a call from the Palestinian delegation urging a boycott of Netanyahu’s speech.
How did Netanyahu respond to accusations of settler violence?
He described violent West Bank settlers as a small group of roughly 150 lawbreakers and accused international media of giving their actions disproportionate coverage.
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