Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu drew a sharply divided reaction at the United Nations General Assembly after condemning international recognition of a Palestinian state and defending Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
As Netanyahu began his address, dozens of delegates walked out in protest, while some supporters in the balcony responded with a standing ovation, a contrast that underscored Israel’s mounting diplomatic isolation.
The Israeli leader lashed out at recent moves by countries including France, Britain, Australia, and Canada to formally recognize a Palestinian state.
“When the most savage terrorists on earth are effusively praising your decision, you didn’t do something right.
“You did something wrong. Horribly wrong,” he declared.
Arguing that Palestinian rejection of Israel’s existence lies at the heart of the conflict, Netanyahu compared statehood recognition to rewarding terrorism.
“Giving the Palestinians a state one mile from Jerusalem after October 7 is like giving al-Qaida a state one mile from New York City after September 11.
“This is sheer madness,” he said.
He also dismissed accusations that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza as “false,” despite a UN inquiry that recently concluded Israel’s actions amount to war crimes, citing large-scale destruction and alleged intent to target civilians.
The speech further deepened tensions between Israel and much of the international community, as the war in Gaza continues to fuel both diplomatic rifts and humanitarian outcry.
