Netanyahu Criticizes Qatar, Turkey at UN General Assembly

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a speech at the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, where he thanked U.S. President Donald Trump for his support and cooperation against Israel's adversaries. Netanyahu stated that Washington and Jerusalem have worked together to "save civilization" and highlighted their joint efforts in securing the release of hostages held in Gaza, noting that all remaining hostages, both living and deceased, were freed through U.S. mediation last year.

Netanyahu also emphasized Israel's internal unity, asserting that Israelis can unite in critical moments regardless of political views, age, or religious affiliation, bound by shared history, values, and courage. Addressing threats from Iran, he questioned the consequences of a one-ton ballistic missile hitting UN headquarters, suggesting such an attack could destroy the entire complex.

The Prime Minister defended the Israeli military, stating that the Israel Defense Forces, comprising Jews, Muslims, Christians, and Druze, is "the most moral army in the world." A significant portion of his address was dedicated to criticizing Qatar, accusing Doha of extensive spending on disseminating what he called false information against Israel, including funding American universities and supporting Al Jazeera. Netanyahu claimed this activity influences youth and promotes hatred towards Israel, the U.S., and the West.

He also sharply criticized Turkey, alleging Ankara harbors Hamas operatives and disseminates anti-Israel statements. Netanyahu accused Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of repressing journalists, acting against Kurds, engaging in territorial disputes over Cyprus, and threatening Greece. Responding to Erdoğan's remarks about the future of Jerusalem, Netanyahu declared from the UN podium, "No, sir, you will not do it. This is our city."

Relations between Israel and Turkey have significantly deteriorated since the October 7th attacks, with some Israeli officials now viewing Turkey as a potential regional threat amid escalating rhetoric.