Netanyahu Addresses UN, Launches Broad Attacks on Qatar, Turkey, Europe, and NYC Mayor

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a speech at the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday evening, during which he attacked Qatar, Turkey, French President Emmanuel Macron, European nations, and the Mayor of New York City. He reiterated claims about Iran, stating that if Israel had not destroyed Iranian nuclear facilities, "we would all be dead." Netanyahu also claimed that settler violence in the occupied West Bank is "self-defense," despite condemning the actions of a few individuals and noting that the Shin Bet security agency is working against them. He praised U.S. President Donald Trump as a "greatest partner" for confronting perceived threats.

Netanyahu accused Qatar of spreading lies and hosting Hamas operatives involved in the October 7th attacks, alleging that "countless billions" were spent by foreign countries to disseminate falsehoods about Israel, with Qatar being the first. He also targeted Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, stating, "Erdogan says he will be the ruler of Jerusalem. No, Mr. you will not be!" Netanyahu accused Erdoğan of illegally occupying eastern Cyprus and seeking to seize Syria.

Addressing New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Netanyahu stated, "Adams, shame on you. Jews no longer feel safe in New York. You enthusiastically praise. What kind of friends do you have?" He accused Adams of trying to silence him but asserted that "Israel did not commit genocide, it prevented it." Netanyahu also criticized Western European leaders for not standing firm against antisemitic sentiments, accusing them of choosing weakness and surrendering to public pressure.

During his address, Netanyahu held up a pager, recalling a September 2024 cyber operation in Lebanon that used thousands of booby-trapped pagers, resulting in over 3,500 casualties. He stated that Israel delivered a strong blow to Hezbollah, inflicting heavy losses. The Prime Minister's visit to New York was unusually brief, lasting only a few hours for the speech, with his office citing security concerns and a fear of targeting, though the basis for these fears was unclear. The U.S. Secret Service was reportedly heavily involved in the security preparations.