Netanyahu condemns Iran and US mayor during UN General Assembly address

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, warning that Iran’s ruling regime would eventually be toppled by popular uprising. He said, "It’s only a matter of time that, in Iran, something incredible will happen: the power of the people will overcome the people in power," and added that the Iranian people would soon be free.

During his remarks, Netanyahu targeted New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, claiming the mayor’s statements had made Jews feel unsafe in the city and accusing him of falsely labeling Israel’s actions as genocide. He also referenced alleged social-media posts by the mayor’s wife that praised the Oct. 7 attack, and said Mamdani had threatened to have him arrested if he attended the 2026 UN session.

Netanyahu also blamed Qatar and Turkey for spreading anti-Israeli narratives, alleging they fund media outlets and support groups linked to Hamas. He described Qatar’s involvement with Hamas and criticized Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for alleged human-rights abuses and regional ambitions.

Representatives of Iran left a portrait of the late IRGC commander Qassem Soleimani in the chamber and exited the hall for the duration of Netanyahu’s speech.