Netanyahu addressed the UN General Assembly, defending Israel's military actions and declaring that fighting would continue until victory. Meanwhile, representatives from several countries walked out of the meeting in protest.
On Thursday, 24 Sep 2026 GMT+7, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke at the UN General Assembly, where delegates from various countries walked out to protest. Netanyahu responded by calling these groups “morally cowardly” and affirmed that Israel would continue fighting until it wins.
“We are going to win; we have no other choice,” Netanyahu said. “If any morally cowardly individuals remain in the room, I invite you to leave now.”
Netanyahu defended Israel's military operations in Iran, Gaza, and other parts of the Middle East, rejecting allegations that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.
He criticized countries sharply condemning Israel, especially the UK and France, accusing Israel of colonialism, and condemned Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as a “tyrant” supporting Hamas.
“They accuse Israel, this small country, of colonialism. Colonialism? And who are the ones making these accusations? Among them are people from the UK and France. For heaven’s sake, you are the ones who coined this term.”
Netanyahu also criticized New York City Mayor Sohraan Mamdani, saying he made Jewish residents feel unsafe. Mamdani's office quickly responded, accusing Netanyahu of lying to cover up genocide.
The Israeli leader then thanked U.S. President Donald Trump for his “resolute leadership” in cooperating with Israel on an airstrike against Iran in February.
On the same day, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the UNGA via video due to being denied a U.S. visa.
Abbas stated that Israeli policies, such as illegal settlement expansion in the West Bank, threaten Palestinian existence, undermine the two-state solution, and accused Israel of waging genocidal war, causing famine, and attempting to expel Palestinians.
Meanwhile, many protesters were arrested in New York City during demonstrations against Netanyahu’s visit, including well-known actors Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder.
The Gaza war began after Hamas attacked Israel on 7 Oct 2023, resulting in about 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken.
Currently, Gaza's Ministry of Health reports over 73,920 deaths from Israeli attacks. The International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS) has determined Israel's actions amount to genocide, though Israel denies this, insisting it is self-defense.
Since 28 Feb 2026, the U.S. and Israel launched large-scale airstrikes against Iran, suspecting nuclear weapons development, prompting Iran to retaliate with missiles and drones against Israel and U.S. bases in Arab countries, including closing the Strait of Hormuz, leading to a prolonged conflict.
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Source:bbc