Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered his UNGA Gaza speech on Friday amid growing international isolation
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Friday, seeming out of place in an empty auditorium. The passage of representatives from other states out of the hall drew attention to Israel’s deepening isolation, particularly as the war in Gaza continues; the higher number of walkouts even took place, notably, a year after a mass walkout of Netanyahu’s UNGA in 2024. Netanyahu was unfazed, however, and proceeded to deliver what he intended to make a clear message directly to Gaza and the rest of the world.
Direct Message to Gaza in Netanyahu UNGA Speech
In an unprecedented step, Netanyahu made sure his remarks were relayed directly to residents of Gaza. Allegedly, Israeli authorities seized local phone networks to broadcast his remarks. Allegedly, residents of Gaza received text messages to their phones with links to the speech, and, of course, the profusion of loudspeakers the military deliberately established throughout Gaza and specifically for this purpose inundated the region with footage of his remarks.
Netanyahu told Gaza residents that the conflict could end immediately if Hamas accepted his terms. He demanded the release of all hostages, the disarmament of Hamas, and the complete demilitarization of Gaza.
Criticism of Western Recognition of Palestine in UNGA Speech
Referring to the global sphere, Netanyahu denounced some Western countries for recognizing Palestine as a state. In recent weeks, nations such as France, Britain, Australia, and Canada announced recognition of a Palestinian state. He charged that these governments were rewarding terrorism directly after the Hamas attack of October 7.
“Giving the Palestinians a state one mile from Jerusalem after October 7 is like giving Al Qaeda a state one mile from New York City after September 11. This is sheer madness. It’s insane,” and we won’t do it
Continuing his opposition to the two-state solution, Netanyahu has blamed Palestinians for the conflict for decades. He maintained that both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority do not want to accept Israel as a sovereign state.
“The Palestinians do not believe in this solution. They never have. They don’t want a state alongside Israel. They want a Palestinian state instead of Israel. The consistent refusal to recognize a Jewish state has caused this conflict for over 100 years.”
Arab Relations Amid Gaza Conflict in Netanyahu UNGA Speech
The Gaza conflict has put Israel’s diplomatic relations, even with friends, under pressure. Recently, in a public display of discontent, the United States grew increasingly frustrated with Israel’s actions. Additionally, there is little realism for normalization with Arab neighbors because of the ongoing fighting.
Aside from the setbacks, Netanyahu referenced the Abraham Accords as a basis for future cooperation. He gave the thesis that Arab and Muslim states can greatly benefit by working with Israel.
“Forward-looking Arabs and Muslim leaders understand that working with Israel will allow them to access ground-breaking Israeli innovations.” He gave medical innovations, agriculture, water management, defense, and artificial intelligence as examples of how cooperation with Israel can benefit Arab and Muslim countries.
Netanyahu was also optimistic about peace with historical foes. He stated a hope that deals could be struck with Syria and Lebanon. Down the road a piece, he also saw Israelis and Iranians renewing friendship.
“The people of Israel and Iran will restore friendship once the people who are fighting Israel today are gone tomorrow…” he said.
Conclusion
Netanyahu’s address to the UN General Assembly highlighted his defiance, even as his isolation grew. He openly transmitted his message into Gaza, condemned Western governments, and rejected statehood for the Palestinians, all while further endorsing a hardline stance for Israel. His optimism in nationalities about regional peace stood in stark contrast to his position at war: inflexible, but full of hope regarding normalization and reconciliation.
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