Benjamin Netanyahu addresses UN General Assembly amid protests

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a forceful address to the United Nations General Assembly, where he denied allegations of genocide in Gaza, labeling them ‘the biggest lie of the century.’ During his speech, Netanyahu defended military actions involving Iran, stating that such decisions were necessary for survival.

The address was marked by significant tension, as numerous U.N. delegates walked out of the assembly hall upon his arrival. Netanyahu criticized these delegates as ‘moral cowards’ and lashed out at protesters outside the building, including several high-profile figures who were detained during demonstrations.

Netanyahu specifically targeted New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, calling him ‘antisemitic’ after Mamdani advocated for the enforcement of International Criminal Court arrest warrants. Mamdani responded by dismissing the speech as ‘baseless lies’ intended to sanitize actions against Palestinians. Additionally, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas delivered his address via video after being denied a visa by the U.S. administration.