Netanyahu Addresses UN, Faces Walkouts and Accusations

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, which was again marked by walkouts from dozens of country representatives. Netanyahu presented Israel's defense against international criticism, warned against Iran and Turkey, and responded to remarks by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and New York City Mayor Eric Adams. The speech, broadcast live by Ynet, occurred amidst escalating international isolation for Israel and as elections approach in the country.

Upon taking the podium, Netanyahu addressed those leaving the hall, saying, "Do us a favor." He then turned to Iran, recalling his 2012 speech where he drew a red line against Iran developing nuclear weapons, stating that Israel had prevented the "murderous dictatorship" from achieving this goal. He also presented a Starlink router as a "gift" to the Iranian delegation, symbolizing access to truth and free expression, while Iran had placed a photo of slain General Qassem Soleimani at their delegate's seat.

Netanyahu criticized world leaders and delegates who walked out, highlighting the irony that Israel, while defending itself, also defends many of the nations whose representatives were leaving. He asserted that many leaders privately thanked Israel for eliminating Iran's nuclear weapons program. He also addressed Syrian President Assad, referencing the 1967 Six-Day War and stating that Jews have been in the Golan Heights since the time of Moses, drawing parallels between past existential threats and current ones.

Describing October 7th as "the darkest day in Israel's history," Netanyahu recounted the Hamas massacre, comparing its scale to 16 September 11th attacks relative to the population size. He emphasized that Israel did not collapse but fought back fiercely. He also presented a pager, referencing the ongoing multi-front war Israel is fighting, and criticized international media for what he called biased reporting on Palestinian terrorism while downplaying violence by Jewish settlers.

Netanyahu also directly addressed Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, calling him a "tyrant" and accusing Turkey of spreading antisemitic lies and hosting Hamas leaders. He stated Erdoğan would not be the ruler of Jerusalem. He also criticized Qatar for funding media outlets that promote hatred of Israel and America and for hosting Hamas officials. He further addressed New York City Mayor Eric Adams, stating that many Jews no longer feel safe in the city and accusing Adams of praising convicted terrorists and associating with individuals who have expressed anti-American and anti-Israel sentiments. Netanyahu asserted that Israel has not committed genocide but has prevented it, contrasting Israel's actions with those of Hamas.

The Prime Minister's visit was unusually brief, with no scheduled meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden. He met with the leaders of Greece and Slovenia, among others, and discussed regional stability and bilateral cooperation. The visit also coincided with protests against Netanyahu in New York, leading to several arrests, including those of actress Susan Sarandon and other public figures.