Benjamin Netanyahu attacks Israel’s enemies and allies in UN speech

Key Points:

• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu used his UN General Assembly speech to attack critics including New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Iran’s leadership, and allied countries like the UK and France, sparking walkouts and jeers in the chamber.
• Netanyahu defended Israel’s military actions, claiming the destruction of Iran’s nuclear facilities was necessary for survival and describing Israel as fighting a “seven-front war” involving Gaza, the West Bank, Syria, Lebanon, Iran, Yemen, and Iraq.
• He criticized traditional allies Britain and France for accusing Israel of colonialism, while praising US President Donald Trump as a key partner in joint operations and hostage recoveries.
• Netanyahu denied accusations of genocide in Gaza amid ongoing allegations of war crimes and an ICC warrant for his arrest, which he ignored by attending the UNGA; Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was denied a US visa and addressed the assembly via video.
• The speech appeared aimed primarily at Netanyahu’s domestic audience ahead of Israel’s October 27 election, with analysts saying the confrontational tone was intended to bolster his political standing rather than foster international diplomacy.