Israeli PM criticizes international leaders while broadcasting speech into Gaza during General Assembly address
Dozens of delegates from various nations, including Iran, walked out of the UN General Assembly hall moments before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began his address defending Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
During his speech, Netanyahu strongly criticized Western nations that have recently recognized Palestinian statehood, declaring that such recognition demonstrates that “murdering Jews pays off.” He specifically targeted leaders who have announced recognition of an independent Palestinian state in recent days.
Key Points from Netanyahu’s Address
Netanyahu delivered sharp criticism of international leaders, stating: “Those who cower in the face of evil, you will not escape the storm of jihad by sacrificing Israel. We will not commit national suicide because you don’t have the guts to face down a hostile media and anti-Semitic mobs demanding Israel’s blood.”
The Israeli Prime Minister condemned recent announcements by Australia, Canada, France, the United Kingdom, and other countries recognizing Palestinian statehood. He argued that giving Palestinians a state after the October 7 attacks would be equivalent to “giving Al-Qaeda a state one mile from New York City after September 11.”
Broadcast into Gaza
In an unprecedented move, Netanyahu’s office arranged for his UN speech to be broadcast live into Gaza using loudspeakers placed along the Israeli border. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) deployed nine loudspeaker systems as part of what they termed an “influence campaign” targeting both Palestinian civilians and Hamas operatives.
Gaza residents reportedly received text messages with links to Netanyahu’s speech, though there was no immediate confirmation of claims that Israeli forces had “taken control” of Palestinian devices.
International Context
Netanyahu’s speech comes amid growing international isolation for Israel. The country faces:
International Criminal Court arrest warrants against Netanyahu for alleged crimes against humanity
A genocide case at the International Court of Justice brought by South Africa
Potential EU sanctions and tariffs
A non-binding UN resolution urging Israel to commit to Palestinian statehood
The Israeli offensive in Gaza, launched following Hamas’s October 7 attack, has resulted in over 65,000 Palestinian deaths and displaced 90% of Gaza’s population, according to international reports. The Hamas attack killed approximately 1,200 Israelis and saw 251 people taken hostage.
Palestinian Response
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, who addressed the General Assembly via video after being denied a US visa, welcomed international recognition but called for more concrete action toward Palestinian statehood. He urged the international community to help Palestinians achieve “their legitimate rights to be rid of the occupation.”
US Position
While more than 150 countries now recognize a Palestinian state, the United States has not joined this recognition, though President Trump has indicated there are limits to US support, specifically stating he would not allow Israel to annex the occupied West Bank.
Netanyahu remains opposed to a two-state solution, maintaining that creating a Palestinian state would reward Hamas and terrorist activities. The conflict continues with no immediate resolution in sight as international pressure mounts on all parties involved.
