Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a defiant speech at the United Nations in New York, where he forcefully defended Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. During his address, Netanyahu characterized the war as a necessary defense against terrorism, explicitly rejecting claims that Israel is committing genocide. He argued that the military actions are the "opposite of genocide," framing the conflict as a struggle for Israel's survival.

Netanyahu utilized the platform to launch sharp attacks against his international critics. He labeled Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan a "tyrant" and directed criticism toward domestic political figures, including New York politician Zohran Mamdani, whom he accused of antisemitism. The Prime Minister’s rhetoric focused heavily on what he described as a global conspiracy against the Jewish people, positioning Israel as a target of international bias.

The address took place against a backdrop of significant civil unrest, with protesters gathering in New York to demonstrate against the war in Gaza, leading to several detentions by local authorities. Simultaneously, diplomatic friction was evident; Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas reported that his delegation had been denied visas to attend the assembly, a claim that highlights the deepening divide between the Israeli government and Palestinian leadership on the global stage. The speech underscored the increasingly polarized nature of the conflict, with Netanyahu showing no signs of softening his stance despite mounting international pressure regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza.