Netanyahu defends Israel's actions in region as delegates walk out before UNGA address
NEW YORK: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mounted a forceful defence of Israel’s actions in the region at the UN on Thursday, seeking to counter growing international isolation ahead of elections he could lose, as dozens of delegates walked out and hundreds of protesters gathered outside to challenge his narrative. The walkout underscored the competing pressures facing Netanyahu, who is…
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended Israel's actions in the region at the United Nations on Thursday, seeking to counter growing international criticism ahead of elections he could lose. Dozens of delegates walked out during his speech, and hundreds of protesters gathered outside the UN headquarters in New York. Netanyahu accused his critics of hypocrisy and called them "moral cowards," rejecting allegations of genocide in Gaza.
He defended Israel's military actions in Gaza and elsewhere in the region. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who had previously hosted Palestinian families from Gaza, called Netanyahu "the antisemitic mayor of New York" and accused him of spreading lies about Israel. The contrasting scenes inside and outside the UN highlighted the competing pressures facing Netanyahu, who is battling criticism abroad while campaigning for re-election at home.
The protests also reflected a generational shift in American attitudes toward Israel and Netanyahu, with younger Americans more critical of the Israeli government.
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Also reported by 4 other outlets
- Delegates walk out as Netanyahu defends Israel at UN thejakartapost.com
- SA rejects external interference, defends democratic strength at UNGA sabcnews.com
- Netanyahu cuts his US trip short, departs for Israel middleeasteye.net
- At UN, Netanyahu launches furious tirade against Israel's critics lemonde.fr
