Netanyahu's UN Speech Sparks Divided Reactions in Israeli Politics

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 podium, some delegations walked out in protest, while supporters in the gallery offered cheers.

Several ministers and party leaders lauded Netanyahu's speech. Justice Minister Yariv Levin praised it as "excellent," contrasting Netanyahu's "simple truth" with the "parade of folly" of leaders "surrendering time after time to radical Islam." Levin asserted that the UN's actions underscore the necessity of Netanyahu's "determined leadership" for Israel's rights and security, opposing a "submissive left-wing government dependent on anti-Zionist parties."

Aryeh Deri, chairman of the Shas party, congratulated Netanyahu on a "strong and proud speech," stating he "spoke 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," affirming that "all of Israel stands behind you against the world's lies." Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich had expressed support even before the speech, wishing Netanyahu success in representing Israel "with pride and head held high."

However, former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett sharply criticized Netanyahu, calling his speech a "historic miss" regarding Qatar. Bennett argued Netanyahu missed a "historic opportunity" to declare Qatar an enemy and expose its involvement in the October 7th massacre, thereby "whitewashing and legitimizing Qatar." He contended that failing to name Qatar as an enemy harms Israel's national security and global standing, and disrespects the massacre victims. Bennett stated, "Without Qatar, there is no Hamas," accusing Netanyahu of giving Qatar control of Gaza and being unable to defeat Hamas for three years. Bennett vowed that his party would declare Qatar an enemy and expel it from Israel and Gaza.

Other opposition figures also reacted. Yair Golan of the Democratic Movement sarcastically questioned Netanyahu's accusations against Qatar, referencing the "Qatargate" affair and suggesting the speech was not coordinated with his aide. Opposition leader Yair Lapid, while acknowledging political differences, commended Netanyahu's remarks to the Leiter family and his prayer for Neria's recovery.