In a high-stakes appearance before the United Nations General Assembly on September 24, 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a combative address that pushed back against international criticism of his country’s military campaign, dismissed genocide allegations outright, and lashed out at global and local leaders he accuses of advancing anti-Israel agendas.
As Netanyahu stepped to the podium to begin his remarks, a significant portion of the assembled delegations staged a visible protest by exiting the General Assembly hall. The Israeli leader did not mince words in response, labeling the departing delegates as “moral cowards” who shirked from confronting uncomfortable truths on the global stage.
At the core of his address, Netanyahu forcefully rejected widespread international claims that Israel has committed acts of genocide in its military campaign in Gaza. “Israel didn’t commit genocide,” he stated clearly. “Israel prevented genocide.”
Beyond the Gaza conflict, Netanyahu also defended a recent Israeli military strike targeting Iranian nuclear infrastructure, framing the decision to launch the attack as one of the most straightforward choices he has made during his tenure as prime minister. He argued that inaction against Iran’s nuclear program would have created an unacceptable security threat not only to Israel but to nations across the globe.
Netanyahu also used his speech to express public gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump for his unwavering support of Israel, revealing that the two militaries have coordinated closely on operations targeting Iran. “Brave American pilots alongside brave Israeli pilots flew joint missions over the skies of Iran,” he confirmed, highlighting the depth of the current bilateral security partnership.
Turning his criticism to other regional players, Netanyahu accused Qatar and Turkey of facilitating what he characterized as coordinated anti-Israel propaganda. He specifically called out Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, leveling accusations that the Turkish leader openly backs the militant group Hamas and maintains a consistently hostile stance against Israel.
In an unusual departure that targeted a local U.S. official, Netanyahu directly addressed New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who had publicly opposed Netanyahu’s trip to New York for the UNGA session. The Israeli prime minister accused Mamdani of backing individuals and policy positions that oppose Israel’s right to exist, and pushed back against the mayor’s efforts to block his appearance. “Mr Mamdani, you tried to stop me from coming here. You tried to silence me. Well, you can’t silence me,” he asserted.
Closing his address, Netanyahu drew on the long history of the Jewish people to frame Israel’s current security struggles, affirming that the country would continue to prioritize self-defense against all threats. “Israel has never been stronger,” he said. “We are not afraid.”