Archive · 25 Sep 2026
Netanyahu Defends Israel’s Wars During Heated UN Speech
Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, gave a speech at the United Nations.
Many delegates left the room when he began speaking.
He said Israel is fighting enemies in seven different places.
He defended Israel’s military actions in Gaza, Iran and other areas.
Netanyahu said he believes Iran’s government will eventually fall.
He criticized some countries and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
He thanked US President Donald Trump for supporting Israel.
Outside the building, protesters objected to Netanyahu’s visit, and some people were detained.
Dozens of delegates walked out as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began his United Nations General Assembly address.
Netanyahu predicted that Iran’s government would eventually collapse and defended US-Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
He described Israel as fighting a “seven-front war” involving Gaza, the West Bank, Syria, Lebanon, Iran, Yemen’s Houthi movement and Iraqi militias.
Netanyahu criticized Britain, France and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani while thanking US President Donald Trump for his support.
The speech came weeks before Israel’s October 27 election, while protesters gathered outside the UN building and several people were detained.
- Who
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the United Nations General Assembly; delegates, critics, protesters and US President Donald Trump were also involved.
- What
- Netanyahu defended Israel’s military campaigns, warned that Iran’s government could collapse and described Israel as fighting on seven fronts.
- When
- Thursday, September 24, 2026, weeks before Israel’s October 27 election.
- Where
- The United Nations headquarters in New York City, with protests outside the building.
- Why
- Netanyahu said Israel must continue fighting to protect its survival and used the speech to answer international criticism and address Iranian and domestic audiences.
Critics of Israel
Netanyahu and Israel’s Supporters
Military campaigns
Critics of Israel
Critics and advocacy groups said continued US support for Israel’s military campaigns reflected growing public frustration and accused Israel of genocide in Gaza.
Netanyahu and Israel’s Supporters
Netanyahu rejected the genocide accusation and said Israel had no choice but to fight and win across seven fronts to preserve its survival.
Iran strikes
Critics of Israel
The speech prompted criticism from delegates and other international critics, although the articles do not specify their individual views on the strikes.
Netanyahu and Israel’s Supporters
Netanyahu defended US and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, calling the decision one of his easiest as prime minister and praising cooperation with the United States.
International response
Critics of Israel
Delegates walked out, Britain and France criticized Israeli policy, and protesters gathered outside the UN building.
Netanyahu and Israel’s Supporters
Netanyahu dismissed the departing delegates as unwilling to face the truth, accused Britain and France of hypocrisy, and thanked Donald Trump for his support.
- Speaker
- Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister
- Venue
- United Nations General Assembly in New York City
- Iran message
- Netanyahu predicted that Iran’s government would eventually collapse.
- Seven fronts
- Gaza, the West Bank, Syria, Lebanon, Iran, Yemen’s Houthi movement and militias in Iraq
- Election
- Israel’s election was scheduled for October 27, 2026.
- US support
- Netanyahu thanked President Donald Trump for US support and described US-Israeli military action against Iran as a partnership.
- Protests
- Demonstrators protested outside the UN building, and several people were detained, including actress Susan Sarandon.