Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech at the 80th UN General Assembly was defined more by who wasn’t there than who was. In a powerful sign of dissent, over 100 diplomats walked out, leaving the Israeli Prime Minister to address a mostly empty hall, a visual testament to his nation’s increasing diplomatic isolation.
Netanyahu’s message was one of unwavering resolve and outright rejection of the international community’s direction. He blasted the recognition of a Palestinian state by countries like Canada and Australia as “sheer madness,” arguing it incentivizes terrorism. He vowed to “finish the job” in Gaza, brushing aside global condemnation and accusations of war crimes from the International Criminal Court.
The Israeli leader also made a controversial comparison, stating that establishing a Palestinian state near Jerusalem now would be akin to giving al-Qaeda a state near New York after 9/11. He defended Israel’s military conduct, rejecting genocide claims by pointing to warnings issued to civilians to evacuate combat zones.
The backdrop to this contentious speech included President Donald Trump’s recent declaration that he would block any Israeli annexation of the West Bank. While Netanyahu did not address Trump’s comments, the statement from a traditionally strong ally adds another layer of complexity to his political challenges both at home and abroad.