Archive · 25 Sep 2026
Netanyahu Defends Israel at UN Amid Gaza Genocide Allegations
Benjamin Netanyahu gave a speech at the United Nations on September 24.
He defended Israel’s military actions against Iran and Hamas.
He said accusations that Israel committed genocide in Gaza were “the biggest lie of the century.”
Many delegates left the room before or when he began speaking.
The Palestinian Mission to the United Nations had asked countries to walk out.
Netanyahu said attacking Iran was necessary to stop it from developing nuclear weapons.
He also talked about Hamas’s October 7 attack and said Israel would keep fighting.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas gave a different message, asking countries to protect Palestinians and support a future Palestinian state.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected Gaza genocide allegations as “the biggest lie of the century.”
Scores of delegates walked out when Netanyahu began speaking after a call from the Palestinian Mission to the United Nations.
Netanyahu called Israel’s attack on Iran one of his easiest decisions and said it was necessary to prevent Iranian nuclear weapons.
He defended Israel’s war against Hamas, cited the October 7 attack, and said Israel would continue fighting.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas urged action against Israel, opposed displacement, and called for a two-state solution.
- Who
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the United Nations General Assembly, while Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas delivered a separate prerecorded speech.
- What
- Netanyahu defended Israel’s military campaigns against Iran and Hamas, rejected genocide allegations, and criticized international opponents; Abbas urged stronger action to protect Palestinians.
- When
- Thursday, September 24, during the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
- Where
- The United Nations General Assembly in New York; Abbas spoke remotely from Ramallah.
- Why
- Netanyahu said Israel was acting in self-defense, to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, and to prevent another attack like October 7.
Critics of Israel’s policies
Israel’s defense of its actions
Gaza military campaign
Critics of Israel’s policies
The Palestinian Mission, Mahmoud Abbas, and other critics accused Israel of genocide, war crimes, illegal occupation, and harming Palestinian civilians.
Israel’s defense of its actions
Netanyahu rejected the genocide allegation as “the biggest lie of the century” and said Israel’s campaign targeted Hamas while taking steps to protect civilians.
Military action against Iran
Critics of Israel’s policies
International criticism has focused on Israel’s regional military actions and their consequences.
Israel’s defense of its actions
Netanyahu said attacking Iran was one of his easiest decisions because Israel needed to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons and was also defending other countries.
West Bank settler violence
Critics of Israel’s policies
Palestinians and international critics have condemned Israeli settler attacks and argued that settlements and violence obstruct a viable Palestinian state.
Israel’s defense of its actions
Netanyahu called perpetrators “juvenile delinquents,” said he opposed vigilantism, and argued that foreign leaders and the media had distorted the scale of the violence.
Political future of Gaza and the Palestinians
Critics of Israel’s policies
Abbas called for Palestinian self-determination, opposition to displacement, and a future involving Gaza, the West Bank, and east Jerusalem.
Israel’s defense of its actions
Netanyahu has said no Palestinian state will be established while he is Israel’s leader and has argued that the Palestinian Authority is not a partner for peace.
- Speaker
- Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel
- Event
- Address to the 81st United Nations General Assembly
- Walkout
- Scores of delegates left after Netanyahu took the podium following a call from the Palestinian Mission to the United Nations.
- Iran rationale
- Netanyahu said attacking Iran was necessary to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons.
- October 7 attack
- Hamas-led militants killed about 1,200 people and kidnapped 251 people, according to figures cited in the articles.
- Pager explosions
- The September 17, 2024 operation targeting Hezbollah pagers wounded more than 3,000 people and killed 12, including two children.
- Palestinian position
- Mahmoud Abbas opposed displacement and called for Gaza, the West Bank, and east Jerusalem to form part of a two-state solution.
