Delegates from several countries walked out of the United Nations General Assembly on Friday as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepared to speak about the war in Gaza.
Representatives from nations, including Iran, entered the chamber only to leave in protest before Netanyahu began his address in New York.
The Israeli leader fiercely criticised Western countries that recently recognised Palestine as an independent state.
“Western recognition of Palestine shows murdering Jews pays off,” Netanyahu declared.
He warned that recognising Palestine was dangerous.
“Those who cower in the face of evil, you will not escape the storm of jihad by sacrificing Israel,” he said.
Netanyahu made it clear that Israel would never accept a Palestinian state.
“Israel will not allow you to shove a terror state down our throats. We will not commit national suicide because you don’t have the guts to face down a hostile media and anti-Semitic mobs demanding Israel’s blood,” he stated.
Turning his criticism directly to Britain’s Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, and other Western leaders, Netanyahu said their decision was reckless.
“Your disgraceful decision will encourage terrorism against Jews and against innocent people everywhere,” he added.
The prime minister accused Hamas of teaching children to hate Jews and warned that granting Palestinians a state would be like rewarding terrorism.
“Giving 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 is insane, and we won’t do it,” he said.
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Addressing Palestinians directly, Netanyahu said the war could end if hostages were released, Hamas disarmed, and Gaza was demilitarised. He also claimed Israel had made key military gains, including strikes against Iran’s nuclear programme and the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Lebanon.
To emphasise his message, Netanyahu displayed a map titled “The Curse” and revealed that his speech was being broadcast live into Gaza through loudspeakers and mobile phones, though this claim could not be confirmed.
Netanyahu faces growing isolation on the global stage. Several countries, including Australia, Canada, France, and the United Kingdom, have recognised Palestine. The International Criminal Court has also issued a warrant for his arrest, which he denies.
Before leaving Tel Aviv, Netanyahu promised to speak bluntly.
“I will tell our truth. I will condemn those leaders who, instead of condemning the murderers, rapists and burners of children, want to give them a state in the heart of Israel,” he said.