Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu struck a defiant tone at the United Nations on Friday, declaring that his country “must finish the job” against Hamas in Gaza, even as he faced walkouts, protests, and intensifying diplomatic isolation. “Western leaders may have buckled under the pressure,” he said. “And I guarantee you one thing: Israel won’t.”
Netanyahu’s remarks came as delegates from several nations exited the General Assembly hall in protest at the start of his speech. While some applauded from the gallery, many seats were left empty. The US and UK were represented only by junior diplomats, and in front of Iran’s delegation, photographs of children said to have died in Israeli strikes on Tehran in June were placed on display.
He rejected recent recognitions of Palestinian statehood by a growing number of governments. “Your disgraceful decision will encourage terrorism against Jews and against innocent people everywhere,” Netanyahu said, reports AP/UNB.
“Antisemitism dies hard. In fact, it doesn’t die at all,” said Netanyahu, who routinely accuses critics of antisemitism.
Netanyahu faces international isolation, accusations of war crimes and growing pressure to end a conflict he has continued to escalate. Friday’s speech was his chance to push back on the international community’s biggest platform.
The Israeli leader used the platform to portray Gaza as the last battlefield in a broader regional struggle, citing Israel’s military operations in Iran, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen. According to him, those actions have “opened up possibilities for peace,” though he insisted that dismantling “the final remnants of Hamas” remains essential.
Throughout his address, Netanyahu praised US President Donald Trump for support and returned to familiar visual aids, including a regional map he labelled “THE CURSE.” His office claimed the speech was broadcast into Gaza through loudspeakers and hacked phones.
“Whether he likes it or not, sooner or later, the Palestinian people will gain independence,” said Moneir Talib, who was following the speech from Gaza and was displaced from Gaza City.
Hamas accused Netanyahu of making false justifications to continue the war, stating on their website, “If he were truly concerned about his captives, he would have stopped his brutal bombardment, genocidal massacres and the destruction of Gaza City. Instead, he lies and continues to endanger their lives.”
The speech came as more countries, including Australia, Canada, France and the United Kingdom, extended recognition of a Palestinian state, and as the European Union considers sanctions against Israel.
In his speech, Netanyahu insisted that Israel is battling radical Islam on behalf of all nations. “You know deep down,” he said, “that Israel is fighting your fight.”
Meanwhile, he faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes against humanity and proceedings at the UN’s top court over genocide accusations, charges Israel strongly rejects.
Calls for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid have grown louder after nearly two years of Israel’s military offensive that has killed over 65,000 Palestinians and displaced most of Gaza’s residents. Many of the representatives went on to criticise the response by Israel and call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and influx of aid.
Despite more than 150 nations recognising Palestine, the United States continues to withhold recognition, though Trump has warned Israel against annexing the West Bank.
Settlement plans, however, continue to advance, raising tensions with international allies. Israeli officials recently approved a controversial settlement project that would effectively cut the West Bank in two, a move critics say could doom chances for a Palestinian state.
Netanyahu also talks on Friday with UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, amid concerns that annexation could undermine the Abraham Accords.
Trump and Netanyahu are scheduled to meet Monday, and Trump said on social media Friday that “very inspired and productive discussions” and “intense negotiations” about Gaza are ongoing with countries in the region.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, addressing the UN a day earlier by video, welcomed the new recognitions but urged greater global action. He reiterated the Palestinian aspiration for a state encompassing the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem, a goal Netanyahu dismissed once more as a reward for Hamas.
Israel captured the West Bank, east Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip in the 1967 Mideast war, then withdrew from Gaza in 2005. The Palestinians want all three territories to form their envisioned state — a process known as the two-state solution.
