Dozens of delegates walked out of the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began his address, using the speech to defend Israel’s military campaign, condemn critics and warn Iran.
Netanyahu, speaking at the 81st session of the General Assembly in New York, opened by attacking those who had left the chamber.
“If there are any other moral cowards who haven’t yet left this hall—please do so now,” he said.
The Palestinian mission to the United Nations had urged member states to stage a collective walkout in protest against Israel’s conduct in Gaza.
Netanyahu devoted a significant part of his speech to Iran, saying Israel’s attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities were necessary to prevent what he described as an existential threat.
“Devastating Iran’s nuclear facilities was hard. It was very hard to do. But for me, it was one of the easiest decisions I’ve ever had to make as prime minister,” he said.
He praised US President Donald Trump for his support for Israel and described cooperation between the two countries as central to confronting Iran and other armed groups in the region.
Turning to the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, Netanyahu recalled the killing of about 1,200 people in Israel and the abduction of hostages.
He said Israel had since fought what he described as a multi-front war involving Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis and Iranian-linked forces.
Netanyahu claimed Israel had severely weakened Hezbollah and Hamas and destroyed much of Hezbollah’s missile arsenal.
The Israeli prime minister also rejected accusations that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza, describing the allegation as “the greatest lie of the century.”
He argued that Israel had taken measures to protect Palestinian civilians, including issuing evacuation warnings and facilitating humanitarian assistance.
The allegations remain disputed internationally, with Israel maintaining that its military operations are directed against Hamas and carried out in self-defence.
Netanyahu also attacked Qatar and Turkey, accusing them of supporting narratives hostile to Israel.
He separately criticised New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, accusing him of spreading antisemitic claims and sympathising with Hamas.
Netanyahu also warned Iran and called on Iranians to challenge their government.
“One day, and it may not be far away, the Iranian people will be free,” he said, predicting that Iran’s current government would eventually fall.
The speech came amid heightened international criticism of Israel over the Gaza war and renewed diplomatic pressure surrounding the conflict.
Netanyahu concluded by invoking Israel’s history and national resilience, repeatedly returning to a phrase he attributed to his late brother, Yoni Netanyahu.
“We’re going to win. We have no other choice,” he said.
