Netanyahu Defends Israel's Military Campaigns in Fiery UN Address

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu used his address to the UN General Assembly to forcefully defend his country's military campaigns across the Middle East, including in Iran and Gaza. As he took the podium, dozens of delegates walked out in protest. Netanyahu vowed Israel would keep fighting, saying there was no other choice, and told remaining critics he labeled "moral cowards" to leave the hall as well.

The Israeli leader rejected accusations that his country is committing genocide in Gaza. He also lashed out at nations and leaders who have criticized Israel, singling out Britain and France over colonialism accusations and calling Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan a "tyrant" for allegedly supporting Hamas.

Earlier in the day, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who was denied a US entry visa and addressed the assembly by video link, warned that Israeli policies — particularly the expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank — threatened the survival of the Palestinian people and the prospects for a two-state solution. Abbas described Palestinians in Gaza as facing killing, destruction, starvation and displacement at the hands of the Israeli military.

Netanyahu, who faces an International Criminal Court arrest warrant over alleged war crimes, also criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, claiming Jewish residents no longer feel safe in the city since his election. Mamdani's office responded that Netanyahu had used the speech to spread false claims to justify violence against Palestinians.

Netanyahu thanked US President Donald Trump for joint air strikes against Iran carried out in February, saying the two countries had acted together to protect not just themselves but civilization. Separately, several protesters against Netanyahu's visit were detained in New York, including actresses Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder.