Benjamin Netanyahu heads to UNGA with few friends

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to deliver a speech at the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, as Israel contends with intense international criticism and a mere month remaining until its national election. The Middle East remains a dominant topic on the agenda of US President Donald Trump, given the ongoing conflicts with Iran and Houthi rebels in Yemen, which have caused a surge in global oil prices, posing a serious threat to Trump's administration in the upcoming November midterm elections.

Contrary to expectations, Trump and Netanyahu have not yet arranged a meeting, a setback for Netanyahu, who frequently emphasized his close relationship with US presidents during his election campaigns. Trump, upon returning to Washington after his address to the General Assembly on Tuesday, engaged with several Gulf and Arab leaders to discuss Iran and held conversations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

Trump did not defend Israel during Burnham's defense of sanctions on illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank, stating that he was unaware of the development.

Recent polls indicate that 62% of US adults now view Israel unfavorably, up from 43% in 2022, and almost two-thirds of Americans believe their country is not winning the Iran war. Despite the lack of support, Israeli officials have remained vocal at the General Assembly. On Monday, they criticized British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband for a video detailing the UK's tougher stance on Israel in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

On Wednesday, Netanyahu attacked Austria's President Alexander Van der Bellen for his remarks on the West Bank. He wrote on X, "Someone who represents a country whose past is bound up with the gravest crimes against humanity and the Jewish people dares to level a false accusation against the Jewish state, which is still fighting a jihadist axis that relentlessly tries to eliminate it."

Netanyahu has previously denounced French President Emmanuel Macron's comments about Hamas' lack of activity in the West Bank, describing them as "grotesque absurdities." He also condemned Israel's treatment of Palestinians, a matter that is likely to contribute to the fallout from his upcoming address. Trump's Board of Peace is set to reveal a $2.45 billion plan for Gaza's recovery from the two-year war between Hamas and Israel.

However, Israeli leaders have increasingly opposed the board's proposals. Netanyahu, whose speeches at the General Assembly are often quoted and referenced, particularly regarding his stance on Iran, will need to rely on his extensive experience to effectively convey his message, even to allies.