Netanyahu Addresses UN General Assembly, Defends Israel Amid Walkouts

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, aiming to counter what he called "lies" against Israel and defend IDF soldiers. He stated his intention to fight for the truth and for Israel's soldiers and country, promising "surprises" during his address.

Upon Netanyahu's ascent to the podium, dozens of delegates from various missions walked out in protest, while others in the hall chanted support for Israel. Netanyahu addressed the walkout, stating, "If there are still cowards who haven't left the hall, do so now." He later remarked on the hypocrisy of some who left, claiming they privately thanked him for actions against Iran.

Netanyahu discussed the decision to strike Iran's nuclear facilities, calling it the easiest decision he ever made, despite its difficulty, because "if not, we would all be dead." He also addressed the historical Jewish connection to the Golan Heights, stating, "Jews were in the Golan Heights since the days of Moses." He strongly refuted accusations of Israeli colonialism, particularly from Britain and France, calling them "nonsense" and highlighting that these nations invented the term.

Recounting the October 7th Hamas attack, Netanyahu emphasized that no Israelis were present in Gaza at the time, yet Hamas committed "the greatest massacre since the Holocaust." He compared the scale of the October 7th massacre to the potential loss of 400,000 Americans, sixteen times the 9/11 tragedy. He also highlighted Israel's resilience, stating that instead of collapsing, the nation fought back "like lions" and has been fighting on seven fronts for three years, questioning if any other country of Israel's size could do the same. He concluded by displaying a pager, referencing operations against Hezbollah, stating, "Hezbollah certainly remembers."

Netanyahu's visit included meetings with leaders from Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, Panama, Ethiopia, Colombia, Greece, Slovenia, and Papua New Guinea. His brief trip was constrained by the need to return to Israel before a holiday.