UNITED NATIONS — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a defiant speech at the United Nations on Friday, asserting that Israel “must finish the job” against Hamas in Gaza. This proclamation came amidst mounting international criticism and protests against his government’s approach to the ongoing conflict, which many deem devastating.
The atmosphere was charged as Netanyahu began speaking; dozens of delegates from various nations staged a walkout in protest.
In an impassioned address, Netanyahu criticized recent recognitions of Palestinian statehood by several countries, alleging that such acts would incite terrorism against Jews and innocent people worldwide.
While he spoke, shouts of dissent could be heard throughout the hall as some in the audience applauded his words, highlighting a stark divide in reactions. Notably, the U.S. delegation maintained its presence, a testament to its continued backing of Netanyahu’s campaign against Hamas, although higher-level officials from the U.S. and U.K. were conspicuously absent from the assembly.
“Anti-semitism dies hard. In fact, it doesn’t die at all,” Netanyahu stated, a comment reflective of his frequent accusations of antisemitism towards critics of Israel’s policies.
This speech marks a significant moment for Netanyahu, who is facing heightened international isolation, allegations of war crimes, and increasing pressure to alter his strategy in Gaza. His address aroused interest and concern as Israel continues its military actions, which have led to a heavy toll on civilians in Gaza.
As part of his presentation, Netanyahu employed visual aids, including a map labeled “THE CURSE,” further stressing his territorial points while donning a unique pin symbolizing the hostages taken during the conflict. His team similarly wore these pins, incorporating a QR code linked to a resource about the events of October 7, further reflecting their strategy for international public diplomacy.
Netanyahu reaffirmed longstanding ties with President Donald Trump, stating that recent developments in the Middle East have opened up new opportunities. He mentioned that Israel is pursuing security negotiations with Syria.
In a controversial effort to disseminate his message, the Israeli military set up loudspeakers near the Gaza border to broadcast Netanyahu’s remarks. Additionally, the Israeli army aimed to take control of mobile communication devices used by Gaza residents to relay his speech. However, reports from journalists in Gaza indicated that there was minimal evidence of the broadcast occurring.
Netanyahu’s annual address at the U.N. typically garners significant attention, and this year’s circumstances heightened the stakes as various nations, including Australia, Canada, France, and the U.K., moved towards recognizing an independent Palestinian state.
This shift in stance comes amid speculations of potential tariffs and sanctions from the European Union against Israel due to its continuing military actions. The assembly also passed a nonbinding resolution urging Israel to commit to the establishment of an independent Palestinian nation, a proposal Netanyahu has categorically rejected.
In another significant development, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu on allegations of crimes against humanity, which he has firmly denied. Concurrently, the U.N.’s highest court is deliberating a claim from South Africa regarding alleged genocide committed by Israel in Gaza, a charge Israel staunchly rebuffs.
Netanyahu’s confidence did not waver as he headed to the assembly, stating, “I will tell our truth. I will condemn those leaders who, instead of condemning the murderers, rapists, and burners of children, want to give them a state in the heart of Israel.”
Opposition to his approach is intensifying globally. In a preceding special session, numerous countries expressed outrage over the October attack by Hamas militants, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths in Israel and the capture of 251 individuals.
Delegates from various nations urged an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and a significant increase in humanitarian aid. Israel’s ongoing military campaign has seen devastating outcomes, with reports indicating that more than 65,000 Palestinians have died and about 90% of the Gaza population displaced, leading to a dire humanitarian crisis.
Despite this, the United States continues to stand by Israel, not officially recognizing the Palestinian state, contrasting with over 150 countries endorsing its status. President Donald Trump has indicated some limitations to his support, notably commenting that he would not endorse Israeli annexation of the occupied West Bank.
Although such a move has not been officially announced, key figures in Netanyahu’s administration have advocated for it alongside the recent approval of controversial settlement projects. These actions have raised alarms among critics who argue it could jeopardize the feasibility of a future Palestinian state.
In another attempt to communicate directly with Gaza, Netanyahu’s office orchestrated the placement of loudspeakers on trucks along the Israeli border to amplify his address. This effort was designed to occur safely, respecting military protocol.
Just prior to Netanyahu’s speech, Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas addressed the General Assembly via video link since the U.S. denied him a visa. Abbas welcomed the international recognition of Palestine but argued for more decisive actions to enable statehood, emphasizing the need for the international community to honor the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.
Abbas leads the Palestinian Authority, which governs parts of the West Bank, while Hamas maintains control in Gaza following their election victory in 2006 and subsequent takeover in 2007. The territories captured by Israel during the 1967 war—West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza—are seen by Palestinians as essential for their aspiring state in a two-state solution long supported by the global community.
In sharp contrast, Netanyahu has firmly rejected the notion of a Palestinian state, asserting that it would reward Hamas, reiterating his stance just before his U.N. visit.
“This will not happen,” he firmly stated before traveling to New York.
image source from：npr
