Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared allegations of genocide in Gaza as 'the biggest lie of the century' during a defiant UN address, with scores of delegates walking out before he began speaking. Netanyahu, who is preparing for elections, insisted Israel's right to defend itself against Iran, and accused critics of being 'moral cowards.'
Netanyahu, who used a pager to remind the audience of past attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon and the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, insisted Israel's actions were justified. He thanked U.S. President Donald Trump for taking action against Iran and insisted Israel would 'continue to win.' The speech followed a week of global leaders accusing Israel of genocide and war crimes in Gaza.
The Palestinian Mission to the UN called for a collective walkout to send a message to Netanyahu that no country would support his government's 'genocide and war crimes.' Israel rejected the allegations, stating all Israeli settlements are illegal under international law but insists they are legal. The UN General Assembly saw mass walkouts and empty seats during Netanyahu's speech.
The speech sparked a backlash, with the Netherlands' Prime Minister calling for 'hands off the ICC' amid growing U.S. pressure. The UN session also saw discussions on freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, as Yemen and Kuwait condemned Iran's actions disrupting global trade.