Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defended Israel’s military operations in Gaza, Iran and other parts of the Middle East after dozens of delegates walked out of the United Nations General Assembly during his speech.
Netanyahu addressed the UN General Assembly in New York on Thursday, September 24, 2026, amid intense international criticism of Israel’s conduct in Gaza and its military actions across the region.
As he approached the podium, a large number of delegates left the chamber in protest. Netanyahu responded by accusing those who remained of cowardice.
“If there are any other moral cowards who haven’t left the hall, please do so now,” he said.
Netanyahu rejects genocide allegations
The Israeli prime minister strongly rejected allegations that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.
He defended Israel’s military campaign and said his country would continue fighting.
“We’re going to win. We have no other choice,” Netanyahu declared.
Israel has repeatedly rejected genocide allegations and maintains that its military operations are directed against Hamas.
The International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. Netanyahu rejects the allegations and Israel disputes the court’s jurisdiction and accusations.
Abbas accuses Israel of devastating Gaza
Earlier, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the UN through a recorded video message after he was unable to attend the General Assembly in person.
Abbas accused Israel of subjecting Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank to killing, destruction, starvation and displacement.
He also criticized the expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, saying it threatens the future of the Palestinian people and the internationally supported two-state solution.
Netanyahu attacks international critics
During his address, Netanyahu criticized several countries and political leaders who have condemned Israel’s actions.
He attacked Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and accused Turkey of supporting Hamas.
The Turkish presidency subsequently criticized Netanyahu for using the UN platform to make what it described as baseless accusations against Erdogan and Turkey.
Netanyahu also criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, saying his policies had made some Jewish residents feel unsafe.
Mamdani’s office rejected Netanyahu’s characterization of his comments, describing the Israeli leader’s remarks as baseless.
Netanyahu praises Trump
The Israeli prime minister also praised US President Donald Trump for his support of Israel.
Netanyahu referred to joint US-Israeli military operations against Iran and thanked Trump for what he described as strong leadership.
He presented the cooperation between Washington and Jerusalem as part of Israel’s efforts to confront threats in the region.
Speech comes amid political pressure
Netanyahu’s UN appearance came as Israel prepares for a parliamentary election scheduled for October 27.
His speech included messages directed both at international critics and Israeli voters.
Recent reporting noted that Netanyahu has faced political scrutiny over the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack and the subsequent war, while his government continues to defend its military strategy.
The mass walkout and Netanyahu’s response underscored the deep international divisions surrounding Israel’s military operations and the wider conflict in the Middle East.
