Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended Israel's actions in Gaza during a UN address, but faced widespread criticism and protests as delegates walked out in protest. His speech, which accused opponents of spreading lies about Israel, drew condemnation from international figures and sparked street demonstrations in New York.
Netanyahu, facing potential political turmoil ahead of elections, accused Western leaders and others of supporting 'antisemitic mobs' and falsely claimed that Israel prevented genocide. He also targeted Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who had previously promised to arrest him for alleged war crimes but later stated he lacked the legal authority to do so.
The speech, which included a visual spectacle with charts and props, was broadcast live and aimed to bolster Netanyahu's political position. However, it deepened Israel's diplomatic isolation, with critics, including Mamdani, condemning Netanyahu's 'baseless lies' and highlighting the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant against him.
Protests outside the UN headquarters highlighted the controversy, with demonstrators chanting against arming Israel and calling for Gaza to be allowed to live. The event underscored the growing international scrutiny of Israel's actions in Gaza and the political stakes for Netanyahu as he faces upcoming elections.