Netanyahu Addresses UN Amid Hostile International Climate

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to deliver a speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday, facing one of the most hostile international forums towards Israel in recent years. The address comes after a week of sharp criticism against Israel from world leaders and amid a concerted Israeli diplomatic effort to counter mounting global pressure.

Netanyahu's visit to the U.S. is unusually brief and does not include a meeting with President Donald Trump, who is simultaneously meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. A planned meeting with Elon Musk was also canceled due to logistical and security complications with travel to Texas. Despite the tight schedule, Netanyahu's office worked to arrange several meetings with other leaders, including the prime ministers of Greece and Slovenia, and is scheduled to meet with the presidents of Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, Panama, and Ethiopia, the vice president of Colombia, and the prime minister of Papua New Guinea.

Officials explained the limited number of meetings are due to the short duration of the visit and the need to return to Israel before the Sukkot holiday. They noted that many leaders requested meetings, but not all could be accommodated. Discussions with the Greek prime minister focused on bilateral relations, regional developments, energy cooperation, and a potential trilateral summit with Cyprus. The meeting with the Slovenian prime minister addressed deepening ties, particularly following the opening of Israel's embassy in Ljubljana.

The Israeli address follows a pre-recorded speech by Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, who was denied a U.S. visa. Abbas accused Israel of waging a "genocidal war" and urged nations to halt arms supplies. Abbas received significant support during the assembly, with other leaders like Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Emir of Qatar, and Jordan's King Abdullah also delivering strong criticisms of Israel, describing Gaza as an "inhumane concentration camp" and accusing Israel of "genocide" and posing a regional threat. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also commented on the destruction in Gaza and the situation in the West Bank.

In contrast, President Trump expressed support for Israel and the U.S. stance against Iran in his speech. Israeli officials are preparing for potential walkouts by delegates during Netanyahu's speech, a repeat of last year's event. Protests are also anticipated outside the UN headquarters. Netanyahu's speech is expected to focus on Iran, the conflict in Gaza, and international accusations against Israel, but also carry a significant political message for the Israeli public ahead of upcoming elections. The Prime Minister's office recognizes the importance of how Israel's message is received in this challenging international environment.