Netanyahu slams world leaders, lauds US at UNGA

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday begins his UN address by acknowledging the families of the hostages in the audience. The last time he stood at this podium, Iran was rapidly developing a massive nuclear weapons program and ballistic missile program to destroy Israel, while Tehran’s proxies Hamas and Hezbollah were continuing to target Israel, Netanyahu says. Since then, however, Israel has neutralized those threats. Over the past year, however, things have changed, says Netanyahu. “We’ve hammered the Houthis, including yesterday. We’ve crushed the bulk of Hamas’s terror machine. We crippled Hezbollah, taking out most of its leaders and much of its weapons arsenal.” Netanyahu recounts the threats surrounding Israel. He says that Iran’s massive ballistic missile and nuclear program were meant “not only to destroy Israel. They were meant also to threaten the United States, and blackmail nations everywhere.” He said, the war in Gaza has “everything” to do with people around the world. “Our enemies are your enemies,” he argues. castigates Western leaders ‘insanely’ recognizing Palestine: ‘Like giving Al-Qaeda a state 1 mile from NYC after 9/11’.

#WATCH | Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at United Nations

He says, "...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… pic.twitter.com/b0KZF9wfoS

— ANI (@ANI) September 26, 2025

During his United Nations speech, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was wearing a QR code on his lapel. The QR code links to footage of atrocities carried out by Hamas on October 7, says his office. He asks viewers to use the QR code on his lapel to “see why we fight and why we must win.” “I want to thank President Trump for his bold and decisive action,” Netanyahu declares. “President Trump and I promised to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, and we delivered on that promise.”

Several hundred protesters led by the families of hostages in Gaza lead a protest outside the UN during Prime Minister Netanyahu’s speech. The protesters hold signs with the images of the hostages and yellow flowers, and chant, “Bring them home, all of them now,” and, “They’re running out of time.”

Several hundred diplomats from around the world staged a walkout from the UN General Assembly hall as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu enters to deliver his speech. Those walking out include representatives from Arab, Muslim and African countries but also several from European states. Netanyahu’s supporters try to draw attention away from the spectacle by loudly applauding and standing for several minutes. Joining the premier’s entourage in the side-gallery with Sara Netanyahu is New York City Mayor Eric Adams.