New York: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a fiery 45-minute speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Friday, vowing that Israel would “finish the job” against Hamas in Gaza despite mounting global pressure. His defiant remarks came even as many delegates staged a walkout in protest, leaving large sections of the hall empty.

Netanyahu rejects global calls for ceasefire

Addressing the assembly in New York, Netanyahu said Western leaders had “buckled under pressure” but insisted that Israel would not yield. “I guarantee you one thing: Israel won’t,” he said, adding that the war in Gaza remained the final stage of a broader campaign to eliminate threats across the region.

He noted that his speech was being partly broadcast on Israeli military loudspeakers in Gaza, aimed at both Hamas operatives and hostages still held since the October 7, 2023, attack. “We have not forgotten you — not even for a second,” Netanyahu said in Hebrew.

His office later claimed that the Israeli army had hacked phones in Gaza, including those of Hamas members, to ensure they heard the address. However, Palestinians inside Gaza said they did not hear the broadcast, and no reports of phone hacking emerged.

Delegates stage walkout amid protests

As Netanyahu took the podium, delegates from several countries walked out of the UNGA hall in protest. Iran’s empty seats were symbolically filled with photographs of children Tehran said were killed in Israel’s offensive in June. Many other nations left their seats vacant, highlighting the growing diplomatic isolation of Israel.

Still, Netanyahu drew support from the United States and the United Kingdom, whose representatives applauded sections of his address. He repeatedly praised U.S. President Donald Trump as his strongest ally, emphasising their shared approach to security and foreign policy.

Harsh words on recognition of Palestine

Netanyahu strongly condemned recent moves by Western nations to recognise Palestinian statehood, describing them as “disgraceful” and dangerous. “Your disgraceful decision will encourage terrorism against Jews and innocent people everywhere,” he told the assembly.

He added: “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.”

Members of the U.S. delegation were seen applauding as he made this comparison. Netanyahu insisted Israel would never allow a Palestinian state to be “shoved down its throat” after the attacks.

Use of maps and props in the speech

Early in his address, Netanyahu unfurled a map titled “THE CURSE”, marking countries where Israel had carried out targeted operations during nearly two years of conflict across the Middle East. These included Iran, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen.

He later held up a card with multiple-choice questions for delegates, asking: “Who shouts ‘Death to America’?” The listed options were Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthi militia — underscoring his claim that Israel’s battle was part of a wider struggle against extremist groups.

Accusations of antisemitism

Netanyahu accused his critics of harbouring antisemitism, saying: “Antisemitism dies hard. In fact, it doesn’t die at all.” He claimed that opposition to Israel’s military actions was rooted in longstanding prejudice against Jews, rather than humanitarian concerns.

Framing Gaza as the last battlefront

Casting Gaza as the “final front,” Netanyahu said recent Israeli military operations had neutralised threats in several countries, paving the way for possible peace negotiations. He pointed to Israel’s talks with Syria’s new government over security arrangements, while stressing that Hamas must be eliminated for long-term stability.

Growing isolation for Israel

The speech highlighted Israel’s increasing isolation on the world stage. While Netanyahu projected defiance, the walkouts and vacant seats reflected international frustration with the war’s humanitarian toll. Critics argue that continued fighting risks worsening instability across the Middle East.

For Netanyahu, however, the priority remains a complete defeat of Hamas. “Israel will not commit national suicide because you don’t have the guts to face down hostile media and antisemitic mobs,” he declared.