Netanyahu's UN Speech Sparks Walkout Amidst Growing International Criticism of Israel
On September 26th, during the fourth day of the 80th UN General Assembly in New York, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech was met with a coordinated walkout by numerous national delegations, signaling growing international disapproval of Israel's actions, particularly in Gaza. This protest highlights increasing global scrutiny of Israeli policies and the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
International Condemnation and Shifting Alliances
The mass walkout during Netanyahu's speech reflects a widening perception that Israel's military actions in Gaza have exceeded justifiable self-defense, resulting in unacceptable civilian casualties and a severe humanitarian crisis. Qin Tian, Deputy Director of the Middle East Research Institute at the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations, stated that this incident sends a clear signal of Israel's increasing isolation on the international stage, raising concerns about human conscience, not just geopolitics. The event also comes amidst a growing "recognition wave" of Palestine by various nations.
Netanyahu addressed the UN General Assembly, defending Israel's military operations in Gaza and other parts of the Middle East. He denied accusations of "genocide" or using "starvation" as a weapon in Gaza, asserting that Israel provides food to the region. He also criticized countries like France, Britain, Australia, and Canada for their "unconditional" recognition of a Palestinian state, especially following the October 7th attacks by Hamas.
Reactions to Netanyahu's Address
Reports indicate that numerous representatives from Arab, Islamic, African, and some European nations walked out of the assembly as Netanyahu began speaking. The Israeli delegation and their guests responded with applause, attempting to divert attention from the protest. During the speech, the father of an Israeli hostage, Tal Kupferstein, protested from the audience and was subsequently removed by security. Hamas issued a statement condemning Netanyahu's "misleading" speech as filled with "lies and contradictions," noting that the walkout demonstrates Israel's isolation.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, speaking via video link the day before, reiterated that the Palestinian Authority recognized Israel's right to exist in 1988 and again in 1993. He also explicitly condemned Hamas's October 7th attack on Israel.
Israel's Defense and Accusations
Netanyahu addressed a range of issues including Iranian nuclear ambitions and his government’s policies toward Palestine. He displayed a map outlining what he termed the "Iranian terror axis." He claimed his actions have reshaped the region. Netanyahu also touched on actions in Lebanon, implying actions against Hezbollah. He thanked President Trump for his “decisive action” regarding Iran and urged the UN Security Council to reinstate sanctions.
Prior to the speech, Israel reportedly used loudspeakers along the Gaza border to broadcast Netanyahu's address, also sending text messages with links to the broadcast to residents of Gaza. This move, along with Netanyahu's opening remarks in Hebrew and English addressed to Israeli hostages, Hamas members, and Gazan residents, sparked controversy. Opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized the speech as filled with "tired gimmicks" and lacking a clear plan for hostage release and ending the war.
Protests and Demonstrations
While Netanyahu spoke at the UN, thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters rallied in New York City, denouncing Israel's military actions in Gaza and demanding Netanyahu's arrest. Chants of "Netanyahu, you can't hide, we accuse you of genocide" echoed as demonstrators marched from Times Square to the United Nations headquarters. Some Israeli hostage families led a separate protest outside the UN, accusing Netanyahu's government of neglecting their loved ones held in Gaza.
During his speech, Netanyahu stated that opposing the establishment of a Palestinian state is not just his policy or the policy of his governing coalition, but the "policy" of Israel itself.
The Future of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
The events surrounding Netanyahu's UN speech underscore the deeply entrenched divisions and escalating tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The international community faces the challenge of navigating these complex issues, seeking a path toward a sustainable peace while addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and ensuring security for all parties involved. Netanyahu asserted Israel was negotiating with Syria, and peace with Lebanon was “possible.” He stated Israel was fighting Hamas, Hezbollah, Houthis and Iran on behalf of the US and Europe.