Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech at the United Nations General Assembly on September 26, 2025, was a powerful and polarizing declaration amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. Speaking to a largely divided global audience, Netanyahu articulated Israel’s steadfast determination to “finish the job” against Hamas militants in Gaza. His address came as dozens of delegates walked out in protest, highlighting the intensified international discord surrounding Israel’s military actions and the wider Middle East tensions.
Netanyahu opened his speech recalling the harrowing Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, which led to the deaths of approximately 1,139 Israelis.
“Last year, I stood at this podium, and I showed this map. It shows the curse of Iran’s terror axis,”
he stated, underscoring the broader regional dimension of the conflict shaped by Iranian-backed proxy groups such as Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the Houthis in Yemen. Netanyahu framed the conflict as part of a multi-front war against terrorism and existential threats to Israel, crediting coordinated military operations against these groups for crippling their capabilities over the past year.
Israel’s Military Achievements and Stance
In his remarks, Netanyahu proudly hailed Israel’s “stunning comeback” since the October 2023 attacks.
“We’ve hammered the Houthis, including yesterday. We crushed the bulk of Hamas’s terror machine. We crippled Hezbollah, taking out most of its leaders and much of its weapons arsenal,”
he proclaimed, also praising cooperation with the United States, particularly President Donald Trump, for actions including the bombing of Iran’s Fordo nuclear facility. Netanyahu emphasized vigilance against Iran’s nuclear ambitions, urging the UN to reinstate sanctions to prevent Tehran from rebuilding its military nuclear programs.
Turning decisively to Gaza, Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s military objective:
“The final remnants of Hamas are holed up in Gaza City. They vow to repeat the atrocities of 7 October again and again. That is why Israel must finish the job.”
He also addressed the fate of the hostages held by Hamas, currently estimated around 48 with approximately 20 believed alive. Netanyahu’s speech was broadcast into Gaza via loudspeakers and Israeli intelligence streaming to smartphones, signaling a direct communication aimed at these captives:
“We have not forgotten you. Not even for a second …We will not rest until we bring all of you home.”
The Palestinian Statehood Controversy
A central and highly contentious part of Netanyahu’s speech was his vehement opposition to recent recognitions of Palestinian statehood by Western countries, including France, Britain, Canada, and Australia. These countries formally recognized Palestine amidst the ongoing war, fueling further controversy. Netanyahu condemned these moves as encouraging “the most savage terrorists on earth.” He declared:
“It will be a mark of shame on you.”
He dismissed the creation of a Palestinian state as an act of “national suicide” for Israel, emphasizing that opposition to this policy was a consistent stance of both the Israeli government and public.
This position starkly conflicted with the views of many other UN member states and international organizations advocating for a two-state solution as a path to peace. Netanyahu’s dismissal was met with widespread walkouts of numerous delegates during his address, signaling growing global frustration with Israel’s military tactics and its hardline political stance.
International Reactions and Protests
Netanyahu’s speech was met with significant protests both inside and outside the UN General Assembly in New York. Demonstrators opposing Israel’s military actions in Gaza gathered across Times Square and other locations, calling for an end to hostilities and sanctions against Israel. Many delegates physically walked out of the assembly hall before Netanyahu spoke, underscoring the deep divisions within the international community.
The Palestinian Authority and Gaza’s governing body condemned Netanyahu’s speech as propaganda, accusing him of distorting facts to justify the ongoing violence and suffering in Gaza. In contrast, the US delegation expressed strong support for Netanyahu and Israel’s right to self-defense. Western nations that recognized Palestine have urged a ceasefire and highlighted the humanitarian crises unfolding in Gaza.
Humanitarian Crisis and Genocide Allegations
The conflict has resulted in devastating humanitarian consequences in Gaza, with more than 65,000 Palestinian deaths reported, according to Gaza health ministry figures recognized by the UN. Over 90% of Gaza’s housing structures have been damaged or destroyed, with famine conditions unfolding in Gaza City. Despite these statistics, Netanyahu rejected allegations of genocide against Israel, calling them “baseless” in clear defiance of a UN commission’s findings.
He also denied claims that Israel intentionally limits aid to Gaza, attributing the humanitarian crisis primarily to Hamas’ tactics, including misuse of aid resources and provocations. These assertions have been met with international criticism from human rights groups and UN officials, who stress that the civilian population bears the brunt of the conflict impacts.
