Netanyahu Criticizes Palestinian State Recognition at UN Amidst Walkouts

Mon Oct 20 2025 03:42:15 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech at the UN General Assembly drew significant backlash, with officials walking out as he condemns the recognition of a Palestinian state.

During a recent address at the UN General Assembly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the recognition of a Palestinian state by several Western nations, branding it as a 'mark of shame'. His speech prompted a walkout by numerous officials and sparked protests outside the venue. Netanyahu's remarks included praise for US military actions in the region, a denial of accusations regarding Israel's actions in Gaza, and a plea for support regarding Israeli hostages. Opposition within Israel criticized his approach, indicating a growing dissent against his leadership during these critical times.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has attacked the recognition of a Palestinian State by multiple Western countries during a combative speech at the UN General Assembly.

Netanyahu labelled the recognition moves a mark of shame that sent the message murdering Jews pays off.

Dozens of officials and diplomats staged a walk-out as he took to the podium, leaving large parts of the conference hall empty. Outside, protesters against Israel's war in Gaza gathered in Times Square.

Israel has come under huge international pressure over its military action in Gaza, culminating in the UK, France, Canada, Australia and other countries recognizing the State of Palestine this week.

In his opening remarks, Netanyahu displayed a map labelled The Curse that he said showed Iranian proxy groups across the Middle East. He highlighted Israeli military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, Hamas in Gaza, and Iran over the past year.

He thanked US President Donald Trump for American involvement in bombing Iran's Fordo nuclear site in June and drew parallels between Hamas's attack on Israel and the 9/11 attack on the US.

The Israeli prime minister refuted a UN commission's finding that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza, claiming that the charge was baseless. He rejected statements from UN agencies regarding the restriction of aid entering Gaza, despite reports confirming famine.

Netanyahu asserted that the Israeli military broadcast his speech live into Gaza and claimed intelligence had hacked smartphones in the region to ensure hostages received his message. He assured them of Israel's commitment to secure their release.

In the latter part of his address, Netanyahu spoke about potential de-escalation agreements with regional neighbors, particularly Syria, while calling on Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah.

Domestically, opposition leaders criticized his address as reflective of a weary and ineffective leadership, further intensifying calls for change in light of ongoing unrest in Gaza, where substantial civilian casualties have occurred since the outbreak of the war.