On September 26, 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took the stage at the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York, delivering a speech that quickly became one of the most controversial moments of the diplomatic year. As Netanyahu approached the podium, more than 100 diplomats representing over 50 countries stood up and exited the vast Assembly Hall in a coordinated protest, leaving the nearly 1,800-seat chamber conspicuously empty. This dramatic walkout, according to reporting from multiple outlets, was a powerful gesture of solidarity with UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ call for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East and a pointed rebuke of Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza.
Despite the empty seats and visible tension, Netanyahu pressed on, reaffirming his government’s determination to continue military operations in Gaza until Hamas was, in his words, completely dismantled. He insisted that the Israeli Defense Forces were now focused on Gaza City, which he described as the last stronghold of Hamas, and vowed that Israel would act swiftly to eliminate what he called the final remnants of the group. The prime minister’s tone was defiant, framing the offensive as both legitimate and essential for Israel’s long-term security. “Israel’s campaign will not stop until Hamas is completely dismantled,” Netanyahu declared, justifying the continuation of the offensive despite mounting global criticism and a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Netanyahu’s remarks came at a time when the situation in Gaza has become increasingly dire. According to local health officials cited by international media, Israel’s military response since the October 7, 2023 attacks has killed more than 65,000 people in Gaza and left much of the territory in ruins. The October attack by Hamas, which killed approximately 1,200 Israelis and resulted in 48 hostages still being held in Gaza, remains a central justification for Israel’s ongoing campaign. Netanyahu made clear that the hostages were not forgotten, stating, “Hamas must immediately release all hostages. This is the only way for its leaders to avoid further pursuit by Israel.” He reiterated that only the release of hostages and disarmament by Hamas would open the door to any negotiation, promising relentless pursuit otherwise.
One of the most striking elements of Netanyahu’s speech was his firm rejection of international recognition of a Palestinian state. In recent weeks, a wave of recognitions by countries including the United Kingdom, France, Australia, and Canada brought the total number of UN member states recognizing Palestine to 157 out of 193. Netanyahu dismissed these recognitions as “reckless and dangerous,” arguing that granting statehood after the October 7 attacks would embolden terrorism rather than promote peace. He likened the move to rewarding organizations known for violence and insisted it would deepen instability and encourage extremist violence worldwide. “Such moves do not correct an injustice; they deepen instability and encourage extremist violence,” he said, underscoring Israel’s continued rejection of the two-state solution—a framework long supported by the United Nations, the European Union, and much of the international community as the only viable path to peace.
Netanyahu’s speech also addressed the growing international scrutiny over Israel’s military actions. The International Criminal Court and various humanitarian agencies have warned that the situation in Gaza could constitute war crimes, but Netanyahu maintained that the offensive was unavoidable and essential. He further claimed that, despite public condemnations, some world leaders have quietly supported Israel, particularly valuing its intelligence capabilities in preventing terrorist plots abroad. However, he did not name any countries or leaders, leaving these assertions unverifiable. The implication was clear: even as Israel faces criticism on the world stage, it remains an indispensable partner in global counterterrorism efforts behind the scenes.
The diplomatic fallout from Netanyahu’s appearance was immediate. The United States and United Kingdom delegations remained in the Assembly Hall but notably sent junior officials instead of senior diplomats, highlighting the discomfort even among Israel’s closest allies. Outside the UN, the streets of New York were filled with thousands of protesters, many gathering in Times Square to voice outrage against Israel’s military operations and to call for an end to what they described as the collective punishment of Palestinians. These demonstrations reflected the deep divisions not only within the international community but also among the general public in Western capitals.
Netanyahu’s address was marked by dramatic tactics and a sophisticated media strategy. His team arranged for the speech to be broadcast on loudspeakers across Gaza and claimed to have taken over mobile phone networks to transmit his remarks directly to residents, though journalists inside Gaza reported seeing no evidence of such broadcasts. During the speech, Netanyahu even projected a QR code onto a screen, inviting viewers to access video footage of the October 7 attacks—a move intended to remind the international community of the brutality of Hamas’s assault and to justify Israel’s ongoing military actions. These efforts to frame the conflict in stark, emotional terms were part of a broader campaign to shape global perceptions amid escalating criticism.
The speech also came against the backdrop of shifting diplomatic positions among Israel’s traditional allies. Just days earlier, the UN General Assembly had passed the “New York Declaration,” a non-binding resolution in favor of a two-state solution, with 142 out of 193 member states voting in support. European governments—including Spain and France—as well as several Arab nations, reiterated their backing for Palestinian statehood in the lead-up to Netanyahu’s address. For many observers, the wave of recognition by Western countries marked a significant shift, symbolizing Israel’s growing diplomatic isolation even among its closest partners.
Netanyahu’s remarks on the broader regional context were equally forceful. He renewed claims that Iran has developed and stored massive nuclear and ballistic missile arsenals aimed at both the United States and Israel. Defending Israel’s aerial strikes on Iran in June and July 2025, Netanyahu described them as preemptive measures to save the world from terror. “These actions were necessary to prevent a greater catastrophe,” he stated. His comments underscored the escalating tensions in the region and Israel’s willingness to act unilaterally in the face of perceived threats.
The issue of annexation also loomed over Netanyahu’s UN appearance. While he did not address the topic directly during his speech, his office indicated that he would comment only after a scheduled meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House the following Monday. This meeting was set against the backdrop of proposals from right-wing Israeli allies to annex up to 82 percent of West Bank territories—an idea that Trump publicly rejected, stating he would not allow such annexation under his leadership. UK officials, meanwhile, expressed concern that Washington might one day endorse such moves, adding another layer of uncertainty to the already fraught U.S.–Israeli relationship.
As Netanyahu left the UN stage, the divisions between Israel and much of the international community were sharper than ever. On one side, Israel continues to argue that its military campaign and rejection of Palestinian statehood are essential for survival. On the other, more than 150 countries now recognize Palestine and insist that coexistence and a two-state solution are the only viable long-term outcomes. With the humanitarian toll in Gaza expected to worsen and diplomatic tensions deepening, the coming weeks—especially the meeting between Netanyahu and Trump—promise to be pivotal for the future of the Middle East peace process and Israel’s standing on the world stage.
