Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has mounted a forceful defence of Israel’s military operations across the Middle East, using his address to the United Nations General Assembly to confront mounting international criticism over the wars in Gaza and Iran.
Netanyahu’s appearance at the UN in New York was marked by a dramatic walkout, with dozens of delegates leaving the chamber as he approached the podium.
Despite the protest, the Israeli leader maintained that his government would continue its military campaign, insisting that Israel’s security remained its overriding priority.
He also rejected allegations that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, dismissing the accusations as unfounded and defending the conduct of Israeli forces.
Netanyahu used much of the address to criticise governments and political leaders who have condemned Israel’s actions, including Turkey and its President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The Israeli prime minister accused Ankara of supporting Hamas and sharply criticised Erdogan, who has repeatedly condemned Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and called for greater international pressure on Israel.
Turkey responded by rejecting Netanyahu’s remarks, saying his use of the UN platform to target Erdogan was inconsistent with the organisation’s principles of peace, international law and dialogue.
Netanyahu also turned his attention to New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has previously criticised Israel’s actions in Gaza and called for Netanyahu’s arrest if he visits the city.
The Israeli leader further challenged criticism from Britain and France, accusing their governments of unfairly portraying Israel’s actions as colonialism.
Earlier, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the General Assembly through a recorded video message after being denied entry to the United States.
Abbas accused Israel of worsening conditions for Palestinians through military operations in Gaza and settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank, warning that the developments were undermining prospects for a two-state solution.
The Palestinian leader also urged the international community to continue backing efforts toward an independent Palestinian state.
Netanyahu’s appearance comes as international scrutiny of Israel intensifies over its military campaign in Gaza and the wider regional conflict.
The Israeli prime minister is also the subject of an International Criminal Court arrest warrant over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to the Gaza conflict, allegations he rejects.
The contrasting addresses by Netanyahu and Abbas have once again exposed the deep diplomatic divisions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with the UN General Assembly becoming a platform for competing calls over security, Palestinian statehood and accountability.
