Netanyahu Condemns Palestinian State Recognition in Divisive UN Speech

Sun Sep 28 2025 22:53:02 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a contentious Address at the UN General Assembly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized recent recognitions of a Palestinian state by numerous Western nations, sparking a walkout from several diplomats.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a combative speech at the UN General Assembly, denouncing the recognition of Palestinian statehood by various Western countries, labeling it a "mark of shame." His remarks prompted a walkout from numerous diplomats, coinciding with protests outside against Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Netanyahu's speech also addressed regional security issues, alongside controversial claims about Israel's military objectives and humanitarian conditions in Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has attacked the recognition of a Palestinian state by multiple Western countries during a combative speech at the UN General Assembly.

Netanyahu labelled the recognition moves a 'mark of shame' that sent the message that 'murdering Jews pays off.' Dozens of officials and diplomats staged a walk-out as he took to the podium, leaving large parts of the conference hall empty. Outside, protesters against Israel's war in Gaza gathered in Times Square.

Israel has come under huge international pressure over its military action in Gaza, culminating in the UK, France, Canada, Australia and other countries recognizing a Palestinian state this week.

In his opening remarks, Netanyahu displayed a map labelled 'The Curse' that he said showed Iranian proxy groups across the Middle East. He then highlighted Israeli military operations across the past year against Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, Hamas in Gaza, and Iran.

Netanyahu thanked US President Donald Trump for American involvement in bombing Iran's Fordo nuclear site in June and drew parallels between Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel and the 9/11 attack on the US. He noted that both nations are fighting the same enemies, pointing to chants of 'death to America' by groups linked to Iran.

Netanyahu reiterated that Israel would not allow a Palestinian state to exist, claiming this position is supported by the vast majority of Israelis. He went on to rebuff the conclusion of a UN commission of inquiry that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza, claiming the charge was 'baseless.'

He also rejected statements by multiple UN agencies that Israel was deliberately restricting the amount of aid entering Gaza. In August, a UN-backed body confirmed that famine is taking place in Gaza City.

Ahead of his speech, Netanyahu's office ordered that the Israeli military mount loudspeakers on trucks near the Gaza perimeter fence to broadcast his words live across the territory. He claimed this was intended to reach Israeli hostages in Gaza. Netanyahu stated, 'Our brave heroes. This is Prime Minister Netanyahu speaking to you live from the United Nations. We have not forgotten you, not even for a second. The people of Israel are with you. We will not falter, and we will not rest until we bring all of you home.'

However, there are still 48 hostages remaining in Gaza, with 20 believed to be alive.

Social backlash followed, with Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid criticizing Netanyahu’s speech as rife with overused gimmicks and lacking in substance. Netanyahu also draws fire for his loudspeaker tactic, described by some critics as a 'propaganda show.'

A day earlier, Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas expressed his readiness to collaborate with global leaders on a peace plan for Israel and the Palestinians.

Following Netanyahu’s remarks, Trump claimed a deal regarding Gaza might be imminent, albeit without further specifics.

Since the onset of hostilities nearly two years prior, the Israeli military's operations in Gaza have resulted in significant casualties, further complicating the humanitarian situation and international relations.