Benjamin Netanyahu used his platform at the United Nations to fiercely defend Israel's military operations in Iran and Gaza, rejecting accusations of genocide as 'the greatest lie of the century'. The Israeli Prime Minister took direct aim at his critics, including New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani—who has previously called him the 'architect of a horrific genocide'—declaring 'shame on you' to those spreading what he called lies about Israel's soldiers. He also challenged remaining delegates who had not walked out, calling for 'moral cowards' to leave the hall if they wished.
The walkout echoed a similar scene during Netanyahu's address at last year's summit. His appearance this week comes as he faces an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for alleged war crimes and increasing isolation from the international community. The Israeli leader lavished praise on former US President Donald Trump, describing Israel as having 'no greater partner' in its battles against what he called 'barbarians'.
Outside the UN headquarters, hundreds of protesters—including Jewish, Palestinian, Iranian, and Lebanese New Yorkers—blocked traffic. New York Police Department officers moved in to break up the demonstration, detaining Oscar-winning actor Susan Sarandon, Hacks star Hannah Einbinder, whistleblower Chelsea Manning, and comedian Caleb Hearon. The protest was organized by the Jewish Voice for Peace group.
Earlier in the day, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas delivered a recorded message to the UN after being denied a US entry visa. Abbas warned that Israeli policies, particularly the expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank and the military campaign in Gaza, threaten 'the very life and existence of the Palestinian people on their homeland' and jeopardise the two-state solution.
Netanyahu's speech follows days of condemnation from world leaders at the summit regarding violence in Gaza and rising settler attacks in the West Bank, which have prompted recent European sanctions. The Prime Minister accused those leaders of 'choosing to succumb to the antisemitic mobs' and declared Israel would continue fighting because 'we have no other choice.' Rights groups criticised the UN for hosting a leader subject to an international arrest warrant.