Netanyahu defends Israeli military action as delegates walk out before UN speech

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fiercely defended Israel's military actions in Iran, Gaza and other Middle Eastern territories during his speech at the UN General Assembly. His speech came after dozens of delegates walked out in protest, to which he replied, "If there are any other moral cowards who haven't left the hall, please do so now."

Netanyahu rejected accusations of genocide in Gaza, stating that Palestinians were facing "killing, destruction, starvation and attempts at displacement" but not genocide. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas made similar allegations in his video link speech, claiming the situation in Gaza threatened the "very life and existence of the Palestinian people on their homeland" and jeopardized the two-state solution.

Netanyahu accused nations and leaders who criticized him of colonialism, particularly referring to Britain and France, claiming they invented the term. He also labeled Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan a "tyrant" and accused him of supporting Hamas. Turkish communications director Burhanettin Duran responded, calling Netanyahu's use of the UN podium as "baseless accusations" incompatible with the UN's ideals of peace and dialogue.

New York City's mayor Zohran Mamdani, who had previously vowed to arrest Netanyahu, criticized him for repeating baseless lies meant to justify his "genocide" of Palestinians. Netanyahu thanked US President Donald Trump for their joint air strikes against Tehran in February, claiming they were taken to "protect ourselves and save civilisation."

Much of Netanyahu's speech was aimed at convincing Israelis and Americans, with references to the joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran and his praise for Trump. Despite US weapons supply, Netanyahu faces a sceptical public, particularly among Democrats and Trump's base. Protests against Netanyahu's visit saw several people detained in New York City.