Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the United Nations General Assembly in New York, responding to widespread international criticism of Israel’s war in Gaza and its escalations in Lebanon. Initially reluctant to attend, Netanyahu changed his mind after hearing what he called “lies and slanders” against Israel at the U.N.
He accused the U.N. of being biased against Israel, referring to it as a “house of darkness” and “swamp of antisemitic bile.” He aimed much of his speech at rallying opposition to Iran and its allies, emphasizing Israel’s military strength and warning that Israel would retaliate against any attacks.
Netanyahu’s speech was met with mixed reactions, including applause, boos, and a walkout by several diplomats. Israeli hostages’ families were present, and their plight was a key part of the discussions.
Outside the U.N., protests against Netanyahu’s government unfolded, with demonstrators calling for an end to the war and the release of hostages. A group of Orthodox Jewish protesters also expressed opposition to Zionism, with emotions running high as both supporters and critics of the Israeli government confronted each other.
Netanyahu Denounces UN ‘Bias’ Amid Protests, Defends Israel’s Military Actions in Gaza and Lebanon
The context for Netanyahu’s defiant stance is Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hezbollah and Hamas, which escalated after the October 7 Hamas attacks that killed 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages.
Since then, Israel’s military campaign has devastated Gaza, with more than 40,000 people killed, and fighting has extended to southern Lebanon. Israel’s airstrikes and Hezbollah’s rocket attacks have displaced tens of thousands on both sides of the Israeli-Lebanese border.
Despite international pressure, including efforts by the U.S. and France to negotiate a ceasefire, Israel continues its military operations. Netanyahu has remained firm in rejecting calls for a ceasefire, prioritizing military actions to defeat Hezbollah and Hamas. The ongoing fighting has displaced over 700,000 people in Lebanon and Israel, with more forced into shelters or fleeing to neighboring countries like Syria.
The United Nations has repeatedly condemned Israel’s actions, passing non-binding resolutions calling for ceasefires, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Palestinian territories, and the release of hostages.
The U.N. and its agencies, such as the International Court of Justice and the Human Rights Council, have accused Israel of violating international law, including allegations of genocide in Gaza, which Israel denies. Netanyahu has often accused the U.N. of anti-Israel bias, further straining Israel’s relationship with the international organization.
