Netanyahu's UN Speech Draws Mixed Reactions from Israeli Politicians

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address at the UN General Assembly on Thursday elicited a range of responses from the Israeli political establishment. As Netanyahu took the stage, some delegations walked out in protest, while supporters in the gallery offered cheers.

Several ministers lauded the Prime Minister's speech. Justice Minister Yariv Levin praised Netanyahu for presenting "simple truth" to the world in contrast to "the parade of folly" from leaders succumbing to radical Islam. He emphasized the need for Netanyahu to continue leading Israel with determination. Aryeh Deri, Chairman of Shas, congratulated Netanyahu on a "strong and proud speech," asserting that he conveyed "the truth and justice of the people of Israel" and defended IDF soldiers against lies and antisemitism. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called it an "important speech," stating that "all of Israel stands behind you against the world's lies." Defense Minister Israel Katz described the address as "powerful," commending Netanyahu for representing Israel with pride and without fear against antisemitism, hypocrisy, and enemies. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich had expressed support even before the speech, stating that "all of Israel stands behind you" and trusts him to represent Israel's righteousness.

However, former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett criticized Netanyahu, arguing he missed a "historic opportunity" regarding Qatar. Bennett contended that Netanyahu should have declared Qatar an enemy and exposed its involvement in the October 7th massacre, instead of attacking the nation during his speech. Bennett claimed that Netanyahu's refusal to name Qatar as an enemy "whitewashes and legitimizes Qatar" and harms national security and Israel's global standing. He asserted that Qatar, which funded Hamas and celebrated the massacre, is an enemy whose actions are linked to Hamas's existence, and that Netanyahu's inability to defeat Hamas stems from his reliance on Qatar.

Other opposition figures also reacted. Yair Golan, Chairman of the Democratic Party, sarcastically commented on Netanyahu's criticism of Qatar, referencing the "Qatargate" affair and suggesting the speech might not have been coordinated with his aide. Opposition leader Yair Lapid, however, focused on a different part of the speech, expressing support for Netanyahu's words to the Leiter family and his prayer for Neria's recovery.