Netanyahu Addresses UN, Criticizes Erdogan, Iran, and Media

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, facing a walkout by dozens of delegates as he began speaking. Netanyahu used the platform to defend Israel against international criticism, particularly regarding the war in Gaza, and to warn against Iran's nuclear ambitions. He began his address by sarcastically inviting any 'moral cowards' still present to leave.

Netanyahu highlighted Israel's actions against Iran's nuclear program, stating that Israel had destroyed Iranian nuclear facilities, a decision he called one of the easiest he had ever made as prime minister. He contrasted Israel's defensive actions with the hypocrisy of nations whose delegates walked out, noting that many leaders privately thanked Israel for thwarting Iran's nuclear ambitions. He also drew parallels between the existential threats Israel faced in 1967 and the current threat from Iran, referencing historical Jewish presence in areas like the Golan Heights.

Recounting the October 7th Hamas attack, Netanyahu described it as the "darkest day in Israel's history," detailing the atrocities committed by Hamas terrorists. He presented a pager, similar to those used by Hezbollah fighters, to symbolize the ongoing multi-front war Israel is fighting. He asserted that Israel had inflicted severe damage on Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran's military infrastructure, with the support of the United States.

Netanyahu also criticized the international media for what he termed biased reporting, focusing on alleged settler violence while downplaying Palestinian terrorism. He specifically addressed French President Emmanuel Macron's remarks about Hamas not operating in the West Bank, citing the murder of a French citizen by a terrorist there. He praised former U.S. President Donald Trump for his stance against Iran.

In a strong rebuke, Netanyahu called Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan a "dictator," accusing him of hosting Hamas leaders, committing atrocities against Kurds, denying the Armenian genocide, and illegally occupying northern Cyprus. Netanyahu declared that Erdogan would not be the ruler of Jerusalem, asserting it is Israel's eternal capital. He also criticized Qatar for funding media outlets like Al Jazeera and hosting Hamas leadership.

Addressing the accusations of genocide in Gaza, Netanyahu questioned the validity of these claims by highlighting Israel's efforts to warn civilians and provide humanitarian aid, including polio vaccines and food. He directly confronted New York City Mayor Eric Adams, accusing him of harboring anti-Israel sentiments and associating with individuals who support terrorism. Netanyahu concluded by emphasizing that Israel is a nation united in its fight for survival and that the days of Jews being defenseless victims are over, while also leaving a Starlink device for the Iranian delegation as a symbol of free access to information.