Overview
- Dozens of delegations walked out and many seats were empty as Netanyahu began his UN General Assembly speech on Sept. 24, where he singled out New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and accused critics of antisemitism.
- He publicly said the US and Israel struck Iran’s nuclear facilities, calling that action “one of the easiest decisions” he made as prime minister and framing it as necessary to prevent a greater threat.
- Hundreds of protesters gathered outside UN headquarters and New York police detained around 100 demonstrators, including actress Susan Sarandon, during demonstrations against his visit.
- Several states formally rebuked Netanyahu’s remarks, Turkey issued a pointed condemnation, and the United Arab Emirates’ decision to remain in the hall drew praise from Emirati influencers and criticism online.
- The speech came while an ICC arrest warrant for alleged war crimes remains outstanding and was widely interpreted as aimed at mobilizing support for Netanyahu ahead of Israel’s Oct. 27 election, a development that could deepen diplomatic rifts and heighten regional tensions.