Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to the United Nations General Assembly in New York City. This was just not even two weeks after a UN-backed independent inquiry determined that Israel was committing genocide. Combined with an uplifting message of hope and change, his speech left the audience spellbound. Yet the glaring difference in attendance was impossible to miss, as whole rows of desks stayed empty for his speech. The Israeli PM double, triple, and quadrupled down on a focus on Iran and their regional proxies. To justify Israel’s current military assault on Gaza—now in its third week—Blinken claimed that Israel had largely neutralized these threats.
In a beleaguered huff, Netanyahu ridiculed the findings from the UN inquiry report as a “joke.” He aimed much of his ire at the global community—which he accused of a knowingly false charge of genocide for Israel. He made specific mention of the hostages now thought to be held in Gaza at the end of his speech. He continued to claim that some 20 hostages remain alive.
Netanyahu’s Emphasis on Iran and Hostages
In opening his speech, Netanyahu immediately focused on the threats he believes are being posed by Iran and its proxy’s. He mentioned Israel’s remarkable advancements in eliminating these threats, securing the country in the process. This claim was a central part of a misleading story that was crafted to defend Israel’s bombing campaign in Gaza.
Netanyahu broke from his prepared remarks to address the hostages directly. In doing so, he amplified the plight of their predicament and reiterated Israel’s unbreakable bond and commitment to protecting their existence. He stated that Israeli intelligence had arranged for his speech to be streamed live through cell phones in Gaza, aiming to reach those affected by the conflict and underscore their situation.
“We will not commit national suicide because you don’t have the guts to face down a hostile media and antisemitic mobs demanding Israel’s blood.” – Benjamin Netanyahu
Criticism of the International Community
Throughout his address, Netanyahu provided a pointed attack on foreign leaders. He blasted the international community for being out of touch with what Israel is going through. All of which might explain Blinken’s furious protestation at the suggestions that Israel could possibly be guilty. He further claimed that too many around the globe have excused Hamas terrorists from responsibility for their violent actions on October 7.
Netanyahu’s comments were capped by a clear call to action addressed to Western leaders. He demanded that Israel would not accept any external power forcing a terrorist state on its borders. His remarks struck a chord with many in the audience who cheered his words, but most delegates instead decided to walk out in protest.
“Here’s another message to those Western leaders: Israel will not allow you to shove a terrorist state down our throats.” – Benjamin Netanyahu
Rising Antisemitism and International Relations
First, he dismissed the idea of military strategy that doesn’t focus on the hostages. He drew attention to the escalating antisemitic violence that Jews are facing in Australia and around the world. He blamed much of this uptick on people criticizing Israel’s massacres in Gaza. He pointed out how rising anti-Israel sentiment has driven alarming, actual violence, like the recent attacks on Jewish communities.
That’s why when Netanyahu came to the United States last month, he had to follow a roundabout travel route. This odd route appeared to be a maneuver to bypass European airspace, perhaps because of potentially outstanding arrest warrants related to war crimes indictments issued by the International Criminal Court. His appearance to the previous year’s coalition assembly was greeted with raucous cheers and applause, reflecting the deep division on Israel’s bombardment and ground invasion in Gaza.
