Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a fiery speech at the UN General Assembly, vowing “to finish the job” against Hamas while dismissing accusations of genocide and starvation in Gaza. Speaking to a largely empty chamber, the Israeli Prime Minister struck a defiant tone, rejecting what he called false allegations and attacking Western leaders for criticizing Israel’s actions.
He declared that “Israel will not allow (the West) to shove a terror state down our throats,” reiterating his opposition to a two-state solution. The address, punctuated with props and pop quizzes, underscored his combative stance in the face of mounting international condemnation.
Netanyahu arrived at the UN wearing a large pin with a QR code linking to footage of the October 7 attacks. As he began speaking, delegations from several countries staged a walkout, leaving the hall nearly empty. Outside, scores of demonstrators gathered in Times Square to protest the war in Gaza.
Palestinian delegate seats sit empty along with others as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, at U.N. headquarters. (AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah)
The Israeli leader accused Western governments of “waging political and legal warfare against Israel,” and argued that the recent recognition of Palestine by several countries rewards Hamas. “It sends a very clear message (that) murdering Jews pays off,” he said. Netanyahu went further, accusing the West of “appeasing its way out of jihad by sacrificing Israel,” adding: “This is not an indictment of Israel. It’s an indictment of you. It’s an indictment of weak, needy leaders who appease evil rather than support a nation whose brave soldiers guard you at the gate.”
Rejecting allegations of deliberate starvation, he insisted: “Israel is accused of deliberately starving the people of Gaza when Israel is deliberately feeding the people of Gaza.” He claimed Hamas is responsible for shortages by stealing and reselling food “at exorbitant prices to fight its war machine.” He also rejected genocide allegations, arguing that Israel’s evacuation orders for civilians remove any such charge.
Netanyahu thanked U.S. President Trump for his “steadfast support” and said the two men share the same goals. “President Trump understands better than any other leader that Israel and America face a common threat,” he declared.
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Friday, Sept. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
Despite strained relations with hostage families back home, Netanyahu made special mention of the 48 Israeli hostages still held in Gaza, reading their names aloud and addressing them in Hebrew: “We haven’t forgotten you.”
He also said he had instructed the IDF to broadcast his speech across the Gaza Strip. But according to reports from Reuters and The New York Times, people on the ground said the only sound they heard during his address was the sound of bombs falling.
