Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a strongly worded address at the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, criticising Iran, some Western allies and other opponents of his government.
Netanyahu, who is facing an October 27 election in Israel, used his appearance at the UN to address several international and domestic political issues.
His speech was met with protests inside and outside the UN complex, with dozens of diplomats walking out of the chamber while others jeered and booed.
Members of Netanyahu’s delegation applauded his remarks, while the session’s presiding officer called for order.
Netanyahu also criticised New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, accusing him of being antisemitic and claiming that some Jewish residents no longer feel safe in the city.
Mamdani had previously said he would seek to enforce an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against Netanyahu, although he later acknowledged that he lacked the authority to do so.
The ICC said in 2024 that there were reasonable grounds to believe Netanyahu was responsible for war crimes in connection with Israel’s military campaign in Gaza following the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas. Netanyahu has rejected the allegations.
Outside the UN, protesters gathered carrying banners calling for an end to the war. Several people were detained, including actor Susan Sarandon.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, one of Netanyahu’s major critics, was unable to attend the UN meeting after the Trump administration refused to issue him a visa.
In a video message played before Netanyahu’s address, Abbas criticised the decision and rejected the reasons given for it.
Netanyahu criticises Britain and France
Netanyahu also took aim at Britain and France, two countries that have become increasingly critical of Israel’s actions.
Both countries have imposed limited sanctions on Israeli exports from the occupied West Bank.
The Israeli leader also criticised French President Emmanuel Macron over comments concerning Hamas and the West Bank.
Netanyahu referred to the colonial histories of Britain and France while responding to criticism of Israel.
Relations between Netanyahu and Macron have been strained, particularly after France backed efforts at the previous UN General Assembly to recognise a Palestinian state.
Iran remains a major focus
Netanyahu used some of his strongest language against Iran, describing its government as a “murderous dictatorship.”
He said military action involving Israel and the United States over nearly seven months had prevented Tehran from developing nuclear weapons.
Netanyahu also said the fall of Iran’s leadership was not far away.
However, Iran’s government remains in control and has continued to challenge the United States, including through its actions involving the Strait of Hormuz.
Pager device reference
During the speech, Netanyahu displayed a pager similar to those reportedly used in an Israeli intelligence operation involving Hezbollah operatives.
The devices had reportedly been fitted with explosives before being supplied to members of the Iran-backed Lebanese group and later detonated.
The explosions injured Hezbollah members as well as civilian bystanders.
Netanyahu also criticised Turkey and accused its President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, of supporting Hamas, referring to Erdogan as a “tyrant.”
The Israeli Prime Minister made a brief visit to New York before returning to Israel, where his election campaign is underway. He was not scheduled to meet senior United States officials during the visit.
Source: VANGUARD
