Netanyahu denounces Iran, critics and allies in UN General Assembly address

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a speech at the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday in which he condemned Iran’s nuclear program, rebuked New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and attacked European countries that have recently criticized Israel’s policies. He framed Israel’s military actions as a response to a "seven-front war" that includes Gaza, the occupied West Bank, Syria, Lebanon, Iran, Yemen’s Houthis and militias in Iraq, and said the country would "win".

Netanyahu praised U.S. President Donald Trump as Israel’s strongest partner and thanked the United States for joint operations over Iran and for helping secure the release of hostages held in Gaza. He rejected accusations that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, calling those who spread such claims "lies".

The speech was met with a mixed reaction. Dozens of diplomats left the hall, some booed, and the UN session chair called for order. Outside the UN, activists from groups such as Jewish Voice for Peace protested, describing the gathering as a platform for a "war criminal" and demanding an end to U.S. military support for Israel. Several demonstrators, including actor Susan Sarandon, were detained.

Analysts noted that Netanyahu’s remarks were aimed at a domestic audience ahead of Israel’s upcoming election on Oct. 27, suggesting the UN address served more as a political rally than a diplomatic forum. The International Criminal Court has issued a warrant for Netanyahu on war-crimes allegations related to the Gaza conflict, which he continues to deny.