Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a fiery speech at the UN General Debate on Thursday, justifying his country's activities in the Middle East. He defended the attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities, stating it was one of the easiest decisions he had to make as prime minister. Netanyahu emphasized that if Israel hadn't taken action, "we'd all be dead." His comments come despite a US intelligence report stating there was no indication of a political decision in Iran to build a nuclear bomb.
Netanyahu thanked the US and highlighted Israel's strength, saying his army was fighting "on seven fronts." He dismissed allegations of genocide in Gaza, calling it "the greatest lie of the century." Netanyahu insisted that Israel prevented genocide and that Hamas "would have killed every last one of us" if not stopped. He also criticized Zohran Mamdani, calling him the "anti-Semitic mayor of New York." Netanyahu claimed that Mamdani's actions made many Jews feel unsafe in New York.
The Israeli prime minister expressed confidence that the Islamic Republic would eventually crumble. He stated that the tyrants of Tehran are afraid of their own people, the brave Iranian people, who have sacrificed much for so long. Netanyahu predicted that one day, the Iranian people will be free, and their murderous regime will be toppled by its lies, corruption, and cruelty. He urged the audience to listen carefully to his words, hinting that this day may not be far away.
Ahead of the speech, numerous representatives left the chamber, and there were protests against Netanyahu outside the building. He slammed the protests at the start and end of his speech, referring to repression in Iran. Netanyahu asked where the protesters were when Iran was committing atrocities and if they spoke out against it. He stated that despite their silence, something incredible will happen in Iran, and the power of the people will overcome those in power.
Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters marched through Manhattan, demonstrating against Netanyahu's actions in the Gaza war. A small group of pro-Israeli demonstrators also gathered nearby. Several people were taken into custody during the demonstrations outside the UN, including actresses Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder. The NYPD initially declined to confirm their names, but photographs showed Sarandon surrounded by police officers, wearing a T-shirt with the slogan "Fund People, Not Bombs."
Actress Cynthia Nixon, known from "Sex and the City," was also present at the demonstration, but sources close to her stated that she had not been taken into custody. Media reports indicated that she had been led away, but this was not confirmed. The police said demonstrators blocked a junction by sitting down during an unannounced protest a few blocks away and had been warned several times to disperse.
Ahead of his speech, some Israeli media reported that Netanyahu would focus his comments on a domestic audience, as Israel prepares for parliamentary elections on October 27. Netanyahu's speech was marked by controversy, with many diplomats walking out and protests erupting outside the UN building. Despite this, he remained confident in his message, emphasizing Israel's strength and the need to prevent genocide.
Key points
- Netanyahu defended Israel's actions in the Middle East, including attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities.
- Protests erupted outside the UN building, with several people taken into custody, including actresses Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder.
- Netanyahu predicted that the Iranian people will eventually be free, and their regime will be toppled by its lies, corruption, and cruelty.
