Netanyahu to Address UN General Assembly Amid Global Scrutiny

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to deliver a critical address at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday at 9:00 PM Israel time. His visit includes a packed schedule of meetings with world leaders, though he will only be able to meet a portion of them due to the need to return to Israel before the Sukkot holiday.

Notable leaders Netanyahu is expected to meet include the presidents of Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, Panama, and Ethiopia, the vice president of Colombia, and the prime ministers of Greece, Slovenia, and Papua New Guinea. The Prime Minister's participation is drawing significant attention due to his past use of the UN stage for memorable visual statements, such as the "bomb" chart in 2012, a 44-second silence in 2015, and a QR code in 2023.

Analysts suggest Netanyahu's approach this year is not to seek favor but to expose what he perceives as hypocrisy regarding Iran and the international community's response to terrorism. He is expected to argue that while Iran has been weakened, some leaders who demanded Israeli restraint are now ignoring the true enemy. The article notes a trend of leaders at the assembly focusing on humanitarian issues and peace while allegedly overlooking the October 7th attacks, the hostages, and the atrocities committed.

Netanyahu is anticipated to state that Israel will not apologize for defending itself or seek permission to fight those who committed massacres, and that those who side with terror should not be surprised when it eventually reaches them. This stance comes amidst strong criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza from leaders such as the Emir of Qatar, the President of Turkey, and the King of Jordan, who have accused Israel of genocide and war crimes.

In Netanyahu's absence, Justice Minister Yariv Levin will serve as acting Prime Minister, and Defense Minister Israel Katz will chair the political-security cabinet and manage sensitive security discussions.