Netanyahu Denounces Enemies, Allies in Fiery UN Speech

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a fiery address at the 81st United Nations General Assembly, using the platform to denounce Israel’s enemies, critics and some of its traditional allies.

Netanyahu’s speech on Thursday was marked by sharp exchanges and an unprecedentedly tense atmosphere in the chamber, with dozens of delegates walking out as he approached the podium. Some delegates reportedly jeered and booed, while members of the Israeli delegation and US representatives applauded parts of his remarks.

The Israeli leader directed much of his speech toward Iran, defending Israel’s military actions and describing Tehran as a threat to Israel and the wider international community.

He defended the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran, saying Israel had acted to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Netanyahu described the decision to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities as necessary for Israel’s security.

He also said Israel was engaged in what he described as a multi-front conflict involving Gaza, the West Bank, Syria, Lebanon, Iran, Yemen and armed groups in Iraq.

Netanyahu rejected accusations that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza and criticised governments that have increasingly condemned Israel’s military operations.

Britain and France, which have historically maintained close relations with Israel, also came under criticism. Netanyahu accused the two countries of unfairly targeting Israel and rejected accusations of colonialism.

He also attacked New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, whom he accused of antisemitism and of making Jewish residents feel unsafe. Mamdani later rejected the allegations and criticised Netanyahu’s remarks.

Netanyahu praised US President Donald Trump, describing Washington as Israel’s strongest partner in its current confrontation with Iran and its wider regional conflicts.

The speech triggered strong reactions outside the UN headquarters, where protesters gathered to demonstrate against Israel’s actions in Gaza. Police detained several demonstrators during protests in New York.

The address also drew criticism from Turkey after Netanyahu described President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as a “tyrant” and accused Turkey of hosting Hamas leaders. Turkish officials rejected the allegations as baseless and said Netanyahu’s remarks were inconsistent with the principles of dialogue and international law.

Netanyahu’s appearance came amid heightened international divisions over the Gaza war, Israel’s confrontation with Iran and the wider question of the region’s future security.