Netanyahu Delivers Defiant UNGA Speech, Vows to “Finish the Job” Against Hamas Amid Walkouts

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a forceful speech at the UN General Assembly on Friday, insisting that Israel “must finish the job” against Hamas in Gaza despite mounting international criticism and protests.

In his 45-minute address, Netanyahu condemned countries recognizing Palestinian statehood, warning that such decisions “will encourage terrorism against Jews and against innocent people everywhere.” He accused his critics of antisemitism, saying, “Antisemitism dies hard. In fact, it doesn’t die at all.”

Netanyahu’s speech was partially broadcast on Israeli military loudspeakers in Gaza, aimed at reaching Hamas leaders and hostages captured during the October 7, 2023, attacks. His office also claimed the Israeli army had hacked phones in Gaza to ensure the message was heard, though Palestinian sources reported no such transmissions.

As Netanyahu spoke, delegates from several nations walked out of the assembly hall. Support came mainly from the U.S. and U.K., while many seats, including Iran’s, remained symbolically empty or filled with images of children reportedly killed in June’s conflict.

Using a map titled “THE CURSE,” Netanyahu outlined Israel’s regional military operations and referenced threats from Iran, Hezbollah, and Yemen’s Houthis. He drew comparisons between recognizing Palestinian statehood after October 7 and giving al-Qaeda a state near New York City after September 11, calling such moves “insane” and warning they would embolden further attacks.

Netanyahu also framed Gaza as the last front in a broader regional struggle, highlighting Israeli security operations in Iran, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen, and praised U.S. President Donald Trump as a key ally in his approach.