Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu used the world stage at the United Nations to double down on his Gaza offensive and denounce growing international recognition of a Palestinian state. The speech, marked by walkouts, protests, and combative rhetoric, underscored Israel’s isolation at a time when global powers are shifting toward acknowledging Palestinian sovereignty.

Walkouts and Protests as Benjamin Netanyahu Speaks

Netanyahu’s address to the UN General Assembly was met with a dramatic walkout. Over 100 diplomats from more than 50 countries exited the hall, leaving large portions of the chamber empty. Outside, thousands protested in New York, while Israeli loudspeakers broadcast the speech into Gaza, a move critics called propaganda.

The protest underscored the widening gap between Israel’s government and much of the international community, just days after the UK, France, Canada, Australia, and others formally recognized Palestine.

Netanyahu Rejects Two-State Solution

Calling the recognition of Palestine “insane” and “a mark of shame,” Benjamin Netanyahu insisted that Israel would never accept a Palestinian state. He likened granting sovereignty to Palestinians after the October 7 Hamas attacks to giving al-Qaeda a state “one mile from New York City after 9/11.”

With 157 of 193 UN member states now recognizing Palestine, Netanyahu’s rejection places Israel firmly against the global tide. His comments also directly targeted European nations, accusing them of encouraging terrorism through recognition.

Gaza Offensive: “Finish the Job”

Netanyahu pledged to “finish the job” in Gaza, vowing to eliminate Hamas remnants in Gaza City despite mounting international condemnation. He dismissed accusations of genocide and war crimes, saying Israel urges civilians to evacuate conflict zones, a claim disputed by aid agencies and the UN, which has reported famine conditions and widespread civilian casualties.

Over 65,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since October 2023, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. On the same day as Netanyahu’s speech, more than 22 were reported killed in Israeli strikes.

Props, Broadcasts, and Symbolism

The Israeli leader relied on visual and theatrical elements to amplify his message. He displayed maps showing Iranian influence across the Middle East, shared a QR code linking to Hamas attack footage, and claimed Israel had hacked phones in Gaza to broadcast his words directly to civilians and hostages.

Opposition figures in Israel called the spectacle “childish” and “propaganda,” while critics argued it distracted from the humanitarian catastrophe on the ground.

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Trump’s Shadow and U.S. Pressure

Netanyahu’s speech came a day after President Donald Trump publicly warned he would block Israel from annexing the West Bank. Rightwing allies of Netanyahu have pushed annexation plans covering up to 82% of the territory. Trump, however, insisted: “It’s not going to happen.”

The disagreement highlights growing tensions between Washington and Jerusalem, even as Netanyahu thanked Trump for U.S. involvement in strikes against Iran earlier this year.

What It Means for Israel and Palestine

Netanyahu’s UN appearance was not just about foreign policy, it was a test of Israel’s diplomatic standing. The speech highlighted three key dynamics:

1. Global isolation: With major Western powers now recognizing Palestine, Israel risks losing allies on the international stage.
2. Escalating conflict: The pledge to “finish the job” signals prolonged fighting in Gaza, with little room for ceasefire negotiations.
3. Domestic strain: Netanyahu faces mounting criticism at home, where opposition leaders accused him of ignoring the plight of hostages and projecting weakness.

The coming weeks, especially his meeting with Trump at the White House, will reveal whether Netanyahu’s hardline stance strengthens or isolates Israel further.

FAQ

Q: What did Benjamin Netanyahu say at the UN?

A: Netanyahu vowed to “finish the job” in Gaza, rejected the recognition of a Palestinian state as “insane,” and accused countries backing Palestinian sovereignty of encouraging terrorism.

Q: Why did diplomats walk out during Netanyahu’s speech?

A: More than 100 diplomats from 50 countries staged a walkout in protest of Israel’s Gaza offensive and Netanyahu’s rejection of Palestinian statehood.

Q: What does Netanyahu’s rejection of Palestinian statehood mean?

A: It signals Israel’s refusal to engage in a two-state solution despite growing global recognition of Palestine. This could deepen Israel’s international isolation and complicate future peace talks.

Q: How many countries recognize Palestine as a state?

A: As of September 2025, 157 of 193 UN member states recognize Palestine as an independent state.

Q: What does recognition of Palestine mean for the conflict?

A: Recognition boosts Palestinian legitimacy in international law and diplomacy, increasing pressure on Israel while intensifying debates over peace, sovereignty, and security in the region.

Q: Did Donald Trump support Netanyahu’s Gaza stance?

A: Trump expressed support for Israel’s fight against Hamas but warned Netanyahu he would block any annexation of the West Bank, showing a split between the two leaders.

Q: Why did Netanyahu use loudspeakers and props during his speech?

A: Netanyahu broadcast his speech into Gaza, displayed maps of Iranian proxies, and shared a QR code linking to Hamas attack footage. Critics saw it as propaganda; supporters framed it as psychological warfare.

Q: What does Netanyahu’s “finish the job” pledge mean?

A: It indicates Israel’s intent to continue its Gaza offensive until Hamas is eliminated, raising concerns of prolonged conflict and worsening humanitarian conditions.

Q: How many Palestinians have died in Gaza since October 2023?

A: According to the Hamas-run health ministry, more than 65,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the conflict began nearly two years ago.