Netanyahu Arrives at UN, Responds to 'House of Lies' Question

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Thursday ahead of his address to the General Assembly. Upon his arrival, he was asked by a reporter how it felt to "arrive at the house of lies," a term he has previously attributed to a conversation with Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the leader of the Chabad movement, in 1984 when Netanyahu served as Israel's ambassador to the UN. Netanyahu responded to the question by stating, "It is an opportunity to tell the truth."

Netanyahu's visit to New York is exceptionally brief, lasting only a few hours. The primary focus is his speech at the UN General Assembly. Unlike previous visits, this trip does not include significant policy meetings, though his office stated he would meet with the presidents of Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, Panama, and Ethiopia, as well as the vice president of Colombia and the prime ministers of Greece, Slovenia, and Papua New Guinea. The Prime Minister's Office explained that many leaders requested meetings, but due to the tight schedule and the need to return before the Sukkot holiday, only some could be accommodated.

The Prime Minister's Office cited security concerns and fears of an assassination attempt, along with unusual involvement from the U.S. Secret Service, as reasons for the short duration of the visit. Netanyahu's speech is expected to focus on Iran's nuclear and missile programs, with the Prime Minister reportedly planning to reveal new information on the subject. He is also expected to address the Mayor of New York, Eric Adams.

Earlier, Netanyahu released a video message from his office stating his intention to defend Israel and its soldiers at the UN against what he called "terrible things" and "lies" being spread against the country. He vowed to "fight against the lies" and "fight for the truth of our soldiers, of our country," promising "surprises" during his address.