Netanyahu Addresses UN, Denounces Terror, Antisemitism, and Global Hypocrisy

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a forceful address at the UN General Assembly in New York, confronting what he termed global hypocrisy and antisemitism. As he began his speech, several delegations demonstratively walked out of the hall, while pro-Israel activists sang "Am Yisrael Chai." Netanyahu began by recalling his 14-year-old promise to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, stating, "And now we have done it." He asserted that destroying Iran's nuclear facilities was a difficult but necessary decision to prevent global annihilation, and that in doing so, Israel had also protected nations whose representatives were now leaving the assembly. "The greatest irony?" he asked, "In protecting ourselves, Israel also protects many of those countries whose representatives just left this hall. Moreover, I want you to know: many of their leaders in private conversations even thanked us for destroying Iran's nuclear weapons. It is hard to imagine more dizzying hypocrisy."

Netanyahu then criticized France and the UK for accusing Israel of "colonialism" for its presence in Judea and Samaria, lands he described as the historical homeland of the Jewish people. He contrasted Israel's small size, about one-third of a percent of the Arab world's territory, with the accusations leveled against it. He also recounted the story of his brother, Yoni, who died during the Entebbe rescue, quoting his brother's belief that "We, Israelis, have no choice but to win."

The Prime Minister then detailed the October 7th Hamas massacre, describing how terrorists killed 1,200 Israelis, a proportional equivalent to 40,000 Americans. He highlighted that Hamas terrorists acted with "devilish glee" and "sadistic joy." He also spoke of Israel's ongoing conflict on seven fronts against Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, Iran, and various militias, emphasizing Israel's resilience and its partnership with the United States against Iran's nuclear threat. He specifically thanked former U.S. President Donald Trump as a "partner in the fight against barbarians."

Netanyahu also addressed the role of Qatar in funding anti-Israel propaganda through Western media and universities, noting that Qatar hosts Hamas leadership. He criticized Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, calling him a dictator who harbors Hamas leaders and harbors ambitions for Jerusalem, which Netanyahu declared Israel's "one and indivisible capital." He also condemned New York City Mayor Eric Adams, accusing him and his wife of supporting antisemitism and terrorism, citing specific instances of alleged endorsements of Hamas violence and anti-Israel sentiments.

Addressing accusations of genocide in Gaza, Netanyahu stated that Hamas uses civilians as human shields and that Israel provides humanitarian aid. He asserted, "Israel did not commit genocide, Israel prevented genocide," referring to the prevention of Iran's nuclear ambitions. He concluded by emphasizing the unity of the Israeli people and the nation's determination to survive and win, stating, "The eternity of Israel will not deceive."