Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly criticized Western nations on Friday for supporting Palestinian statehood, alleging that it sends a message that “killing Jews is rewarded.” Many global leaders left the assembly hall as Netanyahu began his speech, while attendees in the balcony stood up to applaud him.
Addressing the UN General Assembly, Netanyahu vehemently opposed recent diplomatic actions by major US allies that have increased Israel’s international isolation due to its handling of a prolonged conflict with Hamas militants in Gaza. He condemned leaders of France, Britain, Australia, Canada, and other nations for recognizing a Palestinian state unconditionally following violent actions by Hamas on October 7, which were applauded by a significant portion of the Palestinian population.
Netanyahu accused the countries endorsing Palestinian independence of incentivizing violence against Jews. As more nations join in supporting Palestinian statehood, the Israeli government, under its most right-wing administration, has reiterated its stance against a two-state solution and continues its campaign against Hamas following the deadly rampage in Israel on October 7, 2023, where Hamas fighters reportedly killed around 1,200 people.
In response, Israel’s military operations in Gaza have resulted in a significant number of casualties, with over 65,000 people reportedly killed according to local health authorities, and substantial destruction in the region.
During Netanyahu’s speech, numerous delegates left the hall, while those in the balcony offered him a standing ovation. The Prime Minister criticized world leaders for yielding to biased media, radical Islamist groups, and anti-Semitic sentiments, accusing them of hypocrisy by privately expressing gratitude for Israel’s intelligence services while publicly denouncing the country.
Concerns over Israel’s military actions and US President Donald Trump’s support for Netanyahu have surfaced at the annual UN gathering, where several countries, including Australia, Britain, Canada, and France, embraced the idea of a Palestinian state to facilitate a resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Netanyahu refuted accusations of war crimes and genocide leveled against Israel by Arab and Muslim leaders, as well as the International Criminal Court. He dismissed the allegations and emphasized Israel’s commitment to its security measures.
Hamas has reportedly offered to release the remaining hostages in exchange for Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza and an end to the conflict. Netanyahu assured the hostages that they are not forgotten and reiterated his determination to continue the fight against Hamas until its dismantlement.
While Trump expressed optimism about a potential deal to end the conflict and free the hostages, Netanyahu stressed the necessity of continuing the fight against Hamas. Despite growing international recognition of Palestine, full UN membership would require approval from the Security Council, where the US holds veto power.
Amid discussions about Israel’s potential annexation of the West Bank, Trump opposed the idea, aligning with multiple Arab leaders who have voiced their concerns over the matter. This development may lead to tensions as Trump and Netanyahu are set to meet, highlighting differing perspectives on key geopolitical issues.