NEW YORK — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended Israel’s military actions in Gaza and against Iran during a strongly worded address to the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, September 24, as dozens of delegates left the chamber when he took the podium.
The walkout came at the beginning of Netanyahu’s address at the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York. Netanyahu responded by criticizing those who left and said Israel would continue its military campaign, declaring that his country had “no other choice.”
Netanyahu also rejected accusations that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, describing the allegation as false and defending the actions of the Israeli military. His speech focused heavily on Iran, Israel’s security concerns and the wider conflict in the Middle East.
Netanyahu defends action against Iran
A major part of Netanyahu’s speech focused on Israel’s military confrontation with Iran.
He argued that Israel’s actions were necessary to protect the country and other nations from what he described as a serious threat. He also criticized Iran’s leadership and defended Israel’s decision to carry out military operations against Iranian targets.
The speech came amid continuing tensions involving Israel, Iran and the United States, making the UN address a closely watched international event.
Abbas addresses the UN by video
Earlier in the day, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the General Assembly through a prerecorded video message rather than appearing in New York in person.
Abbas criticized Israeli policies in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, arguing that settlement expansion and other Israeli actions threaten the future of the Palestinian people and make a two-state solution more difficult to achieve.
The United States had again denied visas to Abbas and other Palestinian officials, preventing him from travelling to the UN gathering.
In his address, Abbas called for international action over the situation in Gaza and the West Bank and urged governments to support efforts aimed at addressing the conflict.
Protests and diplomatic tensions in New York
Netanyahu’s appearance at the UN was accompanied by protests outside the headquarters, while the walkout inside the General Assembly chamber highlighted the deep diplomatic divisions surrounding Israel’s military operations.
The Israeli prime minister also used the speech to respond to criticism from international leaders and other political figures, including New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
The contrasting speeches by Netanyahu and Abbas reflected the continuing divide over Israel’s military operations, Palestinian statehood, the situation in Gaza and the broader regional conflict.
The UN General Assembly meeting comes as international efforts continue to address the Gaza conflict and wider tensions involving Israel and Iran.
