Archive · 25 Sep 2026
Netanyahu Attacks Allies and Foes in Fiery UN Speech
Benjamin Netanyahu gave an angry speech at the United Nations.
He criticized several countries and New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
Many diplomats left the room while he spoke, and his team applauded him.
Netanyahu said Mamdani was antisemitic and that many Jewish people felt unsafe in New York.
Mamdani rejected Netanyahu’s comments and referred to an International Criminal Court arrest warrant involving the Israeli leader.
Netanyahu accused Britain and France of being hypocritical when they criticized Israel as colonialist.
He described Iran’s government as a dangerous dictatorship.
Netanyahu said Israeli and American military action had stopped Iran from making nuclear weapons.
He also criticized Turkey’s president and displayed a pager connected to explosions involving Hezbollah operatives.
The speech came during Netanyahu’s campaign for Israel’s October 27 election.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized Iran, Britain, France, Turkey and New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani during his United Nations address.
Dozens of diplomats walked out, some jeering and booing, while Netanyahu’s team applauded and the session speaker called for order.
Netanyahu called Mamdani antisemitic and said many Jews no longer feel safe in New York since his election; Mamdani rejected the remarks and cited the International Criminal Court warrant against Netanyahu.
Netanyahu accused Britain and France of hypocrisy for calling Israel colonialist, citing their own colonial histories and criticism of Israel’s policies.
Netanyahu called Iran’s leadership a murderous dictatorship, said Israeli and United States military action blocked its nuclear ambitions, and called Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan a tyrant.
- Who
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu; his remarks targeted Zohran Mamdani, Britain, France, Iran and Turkey.
- What
- Netanyahu delivered a confrontational United Nations speech criticizing allies and opponents while defending Israel’s actions.
- When
- Thursday, September 25, 2026; Israel’s election is scheduled for October 27, 2026.
- Where
- The United Nations headquarters in New York, United States.
- Why
- Netanyahu used the address to oppose criticism of Israel, warn about Iran’s nuclear ambitions and attack political opponents.
Netanyahu’s Position
Critics’ and Opponents’ Positions
Mamdani and the ICC warrant
Netanyahu’s Position
Netanyahu called Zohran Mamdani antisemitic and said many Jews no longer feel safe in New York since his election.
Critics’ and Opponents’ Positions
Mamdani rejected Netanyahu’s speech as false and pointed to the International Criminal Court arrest warrant alleging Netanyahu’s responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity; Netanyahu denies the allegations.
Israel and colonialism
Netanyahu’s Position
Netanyahu said Britain and France were hypocritical to accuse Israel of colonialism because they have their own colonial histories and helped create the term.
Critics’ and Opponents’ Positions
Britain and France have become increasingly critical of Israel and imposed limited sanctions on Israeli exports from the occupied West Bank.
Iran’s nuclear program
Netanyahu’s Position
Netanyahu said Israeli and United States military action prevented Iran from developing nuclear weapons and warned that Iran’s leadership could fall soon.
Critics’ and Opponents’ Positions
The articles report that Iran’s government retained control and continued defying the United States, without independently confirming Netanyahu’s claims about Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
Turkey and Hamas
Netanyahu’s Position
Netanyahu accused Turkey of backing Hamas and called Recep Tayyip Erdogan a tyrant.
Critics’ and Opponents’ Positions
Burhanettin Duran, Turkey’s communications director, dismissed the remarks as baseless accusations incompatible with United Nations ideals.
- Speaker
- Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel
- Venue
- 81st United Nations General Assembly, New York
- Diplomatic reaction
- Dozens of envoys walked out, with some reportedly jeering and booing
- Mamdani criticism
- Netanyahu called New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani antisemitic
- Iran
- Netanyahu called Iran’s leadership a murderous dictatorship and said its fall was not far away
- Turkey
- Netanyahu called President Recep Tayyip Erdogan a tyrant and accused Turkey of supporting Hamas
- Election context
- Israel is due to vote on October 27, 2026
