Netanyahu Defends Israel’s War, Rejects Genocide Claims

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu used his address to the United Nations General Assembly to defend Israel’s military actions, reject accusations of genocide and attack countries and leaders he accused of supporting or spreading anti-Israel views.

Dozens of delegates left the General Assembly hall as Netanyahu began his speech. Netanyahu referred to those who had left as “moral cowards”.

He rejected accusations that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza. “Israel didn’t commit genocide,” Netanyahu said. “Israel prevented genocide.”

Netanyahu also defended Israel’s military strikes against Iran, saying destroying its nuclear facilities was one of the easiest decisions he had made as prime minister because, in his view, failing to act would have put Israel and other countries at risk.

Netanyahu also praised US President Donald Trump for his support of Israel, saying the two countries had worked together against Iran. “Brave American pilots alongside brave Israeli pilots flew joint missions over the skies of Iran,” Netanyahu said.

The Israeli prime minister also accused Qatar and Turkey of helping spread what he described as anti-Israel propaganda. He criticised Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, accusing him of supporting Hamas and opposing Israel.

Netanyahu also directly addressed New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, accusing him of supporting people and positions hostile to Israel and criticising his opposition to Netanyahu’s presence at the UN.

“ Mr Mamdani, you tried to stop me from coming here. You tried to silence me. Well, you can’t silence me,” he said.

Netanyahu ended his speech by invoking the history of the Jewish people and saying Israel would continue to defend itself. “Israel has never been stronger,” he said. “We are not afraid.”