Netanyahu Arrives at UN General Assembly for Key Speech Amid Global Criticism

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife arrived at the United Nations in New York on Thursday ahead of his central address to the General Assembly, scheduled for 9:00 PM Israel time. This arrival follows a series of diplomatic meetings he held during his visit to the city, including a meeting with the Prime Minister of Greece. Upon his arrival, Netanyahu was asked about attending the UN, to which he responded, "An opportunity to tell the truth."

Netanyahu's visit includes a packed schedule of meetings with numerous world leaders, though he could only accommodate some due to the need to return to Israel before the Sukkot holiday. Notable figures he met with 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 UN General Assembly has become a significant platform for Netanyahu, who traditionally uses it to convey complex political messages through memorable visual symbols. Past examples include a diagram of a bomb in 2012, a 44-second silence in 2015, the revelation of secret facilities in 2018, maps, and a QR code in 2022. Analysts suggest Netanyahu uses these powerful visual tools to counter hostile narratives and impose Israel's agenda on international discourse.

This year's address comes amid widespread criticism of Israel at the assembly. Leaders from Qatar, Turkey, Jordan, the UK, and the UN Secretary-General have all spoken out against Israel's actions in Gaza, with some accusing Israel of genocide and others highlighting the humanitarian situation. These statements have largely ignored the October 7th attacks and the hostages.

In response to these criticisms, Netanyahu is expected to assert that Israel will not apologize for its self-defense or seek permission to fight those who attacked its citizens. During his absence, Justice Minister Yariv Levin will serve as acting Prime Minister, and Defense Minister Israel Katz will chair the political-security cabinet.