Arab World Shows Mixed Reactions to Netanyahu's UN Speech

Following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address at the United Nations General Assembly, reactions from the Arab world have been notably mixed, according to Middle East expert Yoni Ben Menachem. While many Arab nations highlighted the walkout by delegates during Netanyahu's speech, Ben Menachem noted that alongside sharp criticism, there was also an acknowledgment of Netanyahu's resolve in confronting the international community.

Ben Menachem explained in an interview that the coordinated protest, which saw numerous delegates leave the hall as Netanyahu began speaking, was preceded by a planned effort. The Palestinian delegation reportedly circulated a memorandum to foreign missions in New York, urging them to join a unified protest against Israeli policy and the war in Gaza.

Despite the outward displays of opposition, Ben Menachem observed a more complex sentiment among some Arab commentators. He shared conversations with Palestinian analysts who, while expressing strong dislike for Netanyahu, recognized him as a leader who directly presents his positions on the international stage, even when they are highly controversial. This acknowledgment, he suggested, stems from a perception of Netanyahu as a leader who stands firm against international pressure.

During one such conversation, when asked about preferred Israeli politicians, one analyst named Gadi Eisenkot as the "least hated." However, when pressed on who he believed would win future elections, the same analyst predicted Netanyahu's victory, expressing regret that "we will be sorry to stay with him for a long time."