Netanyahu Faces UNGA Walkout, Warns World Leaders: “Israel Won’t Allow a Terror State Down Our Throats”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Friday, where his speech was met with a dramatic walkout by most diplomats, leaving the hall almost empty.

The walkout comes at a time when Netanyahu faces growing global criticism and allegations of “genocide” in Gaza, where more than 60,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed since Israel launched its offensive following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. That attack left over 1,200 Israelis dead and hundreds taken hostage.

Since then, multiple attempts to secure a ceasefire and hostage release have failed. Talks collapsed completely after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out strikes in Qatar earlier this month during peace negotiations, allegedly targeting Hamas leaders.

Netanyahu’s Statement on October 7

Netanyahu invoked the memory of the Hamas attack, saying: “Much of the world no longer remembers October 7. But we remember.” He described the assault as a massacre that killed more than 1,200 people and stressed that Israel continues to carry the trauma and responsibility to defend its people.

From there, Netanyahu turned his fire on global leaders, accusing them of hypocrisy and double standards. “Many leaders who condemn Israel in public, thank us behind closed doors,” he declared, insisting that Israel would not bow to international pressure.

He lashed out at countries that recently recognized a Palestinian state, saying such recognition amounted to rewarding terrorism. “Those who did so sent a message that murdering Jews pays off. Their decision will encourage terrorism against Jews and innocent people everywhere,” he warned.

The Israeli leader further stated: “Israel will not allow you to shove a terror state down our throats.” His words underscored his government’s firm rejection of a two-state solution in the wake of international moves to back Palestinian sovereignty.

Netanyahu also accused world powers of “appeasing evil rather than supporting Israel”, adding that Israel would continue its military operations against Hamas until its objectives were achieved.

The speech has added fuel to an already tense geopolitical environment, as Israel remains under mounting global scrutiny for its actions in Gaza while continuing to assert its right to defend itself.