Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a combative address at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 24, sharply criticising several countries and international figures over their positions on Israel and the wars in Gaza and Iran. His speech came as dozens of delegates left the chamber in protest.
Netanyahu criticised the United Kingdom and France over their accusations that Israel is pursuing colonial policies. Referring to the two countries’ colonial histories, he questioned their criticism of Israel and rejected the characterization of Israel as a colonial power. Both Britain and France have become increasingly critical of Israel’s actions and have imposed limited sanctions related to Israeli exports from the occupied West Bank.
Turkey was another major target of the speech. Netanyahu accused Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of supporting Hamas and described Turkey as a major source of what he called anti-Israel and antisemitic messaging. Turkey rejected Netanyahu’s remarks, saying they could not obscure the humanitarian situation in Gaza or ongoing international legal proceedings.
Iran also featured prominently in Netanyahu’s address. He described Iran’s leadership as a threat and defended US-Israeli military action against Iranian nuclear facilities. Netanyahu argued that the strikes had prevented Iran from developing nuclear weapons, presenting the issue as a matter of national and international security. These are claims made by Netanyahu in his speech.
Netanyahu also rejected allegations that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza, saying the accusation was false and portraying Israel’s military actions as self-defence. Palestinian officials and other critics of Israel have made opposing allegations concerning Israel’s conduct in Gaza, reflecting the continuing international dispute over the conflict and its legal characterization.
The speech was repeatedly interrupted by the departure of delegates. Netanyahu responded by referring to those who left as “moral cowards,” while supporters in the gallery applauded and the UN session chair called for order.
Netanyahu also criticised New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has previously condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza and spoken about seeking Netanyahu’s arrest if he visited New York. Netanyahu used his UN appearance to directly challenge Mamdani and other critics.
The address came against the backdrop of Israel’s upcoming October 27 election and growing international disagreement over the Gaza war and Israel’s broader regional military actions. Netanyahu’s speech therefore combined arguments about Israel’s security with direct criticism of governments and political figures opposing or questioning Israeli policy.
