Netanyahu Defends Israel's War Actions, Denounces 'Genocide' Claims at UN

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly defended Israel's actions in Gaza during a speech at the UN General Assembly, calling allegations of genocide "the biggest lie of the century" and asserting the nation's right to wage war.

Netanyahu's address was met with walkouts by dozens of delegates. As he began speaking, attendees jeered and booed, prompting the session's speaker to call for order. Netanyahu's own team, however, stood and applauded.

"If there are any other moral cowards who haven't left this hall, please do so now," Netanyahu stated during his speech. He argued that Israel, in defending itself, is also protecting many of the nations whose delegates had departed.

He also criticized Western powers, including Britain and France, for accusing Israel of colonialism, pointing to their own colonial pasts. "They accuse Israel, tiny Israel, of colonialism - some colonialism," he said. "And who's accusing us? Among them are people in Britain and in France. For God's sakes, they invented the term."

Regarding Israeli youths who have targeted Palestinian communities in the occupied West Bank, Netanyahu characterized them as "juvenile delinquents," numbering about 150 individuals who he said throw stones and chop down olive trees. "I can't stand that. I won't stand for vigilantism," he declared.

Netanyahu also commented on the safety of Jewish people in New York, suggesting that many no longer feel secure since the election of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, whom he accused of repeatedly and falsely accusing Israel of genocide.

The speech followed a week of addresses by world leaders who had leveled accusations of genocide and war crimes against Israel regarding its operations in Gaza. The Palestinian Mission to the UN had reportedly encouraged member nations to bring staff to the assembly hall to collectively walk out during Netanyahu's speech, aiming to send a message against complicity in what they termed "genocide and war crimes and illegal occupation."

In previous years, Netanyahu has used his UN General Assembly speeches to criticize the United Nations for perceived bias and to advocate for Israel's position. This year's address occurred amid a challenging period for Israel, which has grown increasingly isolated during the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The current conflict began on October 7, 2023, with an attack by Hamas-led militants on Israel, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and the kidnapping of 251 individuals. Israel's subsequent offensive in Gaza has led to the deaths of at least 73,922 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. A ceasefire in October briefly halted hostilities and secured the release of some hostages, but further progress has stalled. Israel maintains control over much of Gaza, continuing airstrikes, while Hamas has not disarmed, and reconstruction efforts in the devastated territory have seen no significant progress.