Netanyahu lambasts Iran, defends Gaza war as delegates walk out before UN speech

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the United Nations General Assembly before a room filled with empty seats and departing delegates. He vowed to proceed with the nation's military campaigns despite international condemnation, stating, "We're going to win. We have no other choice."

Addressing international critics, Netanyahu dismissed allegations of colonialism and war crimes, accusing Europe of hypocrisy. He targeted Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, branding him a tyrant and accusing him of backing Hamas. Similar rebukes came from Turkish officials, who denounced the UN address as baseless accusations.

Shifting focus to domestic politics, Netanyahu accused New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani of creating an unsafe environment for Jewish residents in the city. Mamdani's administration responded by countering the claims as false attempts to justify military actions in Gaza. This led to large demonstrations outside the UN headquarters, resulting in the detention of several notable protesters.

Defending the joint military strikes launched with the United States against Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure, Netanyahu credited President Donald Trump for his bold leadership. He asserted that the strikes were necessary for survival, emphasizing the importance of preemptive action. Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas delivered a pre-recorded video address, arguing that settlement expansion in the West Bank threatens Palestinian survival and jeopardizes the two-state solution.