Netanyahu's UN Speech Lacks Hope, Focuses on Blame

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered an aggressive, "blood, sweat, and tears" speech at the United Nations, condemning Western leaders, Iran, Qatar, Hezbollah, Hamas, and Turkish President Erdogan. Notably absent from the address was any mention of peace or hope, with Netanyahu instead emphasizing "victory," the perceived desire of enemies to "destroy us," and the assertion that "we have no choice." The speech, described as bombastic and lacking vision, was delivered to a sparsely attended hall, with many delegates reportedly leaving during his remarks.

Netanyahu's address differed significantly from his 2023 UN speech, which preceded the October 7th Hamas attack. This year's speech included sharp criticism of French President Emmanuel Macron and others, reiterating the "no choice" theme. While Netanyahu exposed what he termed hypocrisy from the UN and a "lie industry" against Israel, he offered no significant intelligence revelations. He deflected criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza by accusing the world of hypocrisy and siding with Hamas and antisemites. He avoided mentioning the arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court but did address claims of "genocide" in Gaza.

The speech appeared tailored for an upcoming Israeli election, aiming to rally his domestic base. Netanyahu praised the morality of IDF soldiers amidst controversy over the "Nezar" film and offered support to Ambassador Yael Lempert, whose son was seriously injured in an attack. Protests against Netanyahu occurred as he took the podium, with representatives from approximately 70 countries absent. While many delegates left, no signs or boos were reported, prompting Netanyahu to remark on "moral cowards."

Despite a well-delivered speech, the empty hall and mass departures symbolized a lack of impact. Netanyahu's office reportedly arranged for a supportive crowd in the gallery, who were repeatedly cautioned by UN ushers. Critics suggest Netanyahu should have arrived in the U.S. earlier for press conferences and briefings rather than speaking to his base and a pre-arranged cheering section. The speech included a quote attributed to his late brother Yoni, "We will win because we have no choice," a sentiment similar to one attributed to Golda Meir. Notably, negotiations with Lebanon and Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas were not mentioned. Netanyahu presented a "beeper" as a gift to the Iranian delegation, suggesting it could bypass internet censorship, and drew a comparison between Iranian missile attacks on Israel and the potential impact on the UN complex.

A source close to the U.S. administration indicated that Netanyahu praised former President Donald Trump but received a cold shoulder, as Trump did not meet with him during this visit. Trump and his associates are reportedly angry with Netanyahu and unwilling to assist him in the upcoming elections, with Trump meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping during Netanyahu's speech.