Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to deliver a combative speech at the United Nations General Assembly on Friday, firmly opposing Palestinian statehood even as international recognition for Palestine grows and U.S. President Donald Trump pushes for a Gaza peace deal.
Netanyahu arrives in New York after France, Britain, Canada, Australia, Portugal and other Western powers formally recognised Palestine, citing frustration with Israel’s relentless two-year offensive in Gaza. The military campaign has left more than 65,500 Palestinians dead, mostly civilians, according to health officials in the Hamas-run enclave.
The October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, which killed 1,219 people, also largely civilians, remains the catalyst for the ongoing conflict. While Netanyahu and his far-right allies openly discuss annexing the West Bank, Trump has issued an unusually sharp rebuke to his longtime ally.
“I will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank,” Trump declared Thursday at the White House. He confirmed he spoke by phone with Netanyahu and underscored that any Gaza deal must include Hamas’s disarmament. The Israeli leader is expected to head to Washington on Monday for further talks.
Netanyahu, facing an International Criminal Court arrest warrant over alleged war crimes, including accusations of using starvation as a weapon, took an unusual route to the UN, flying over the Strait of Gibraltar to reach New York. His Manhattan stay has drawn both supporters and protesters, with demonstrations planned to coincide with his speech.
“War criminals don’t deserve any peace of mind. They don’t deserve any sleep,” said protester Andrea Mirez outside his hotel. Activists are preparing a march from Times Square demanding Netanyahu’s arrest.
The backlash extends beyond the streets. At the UN, British Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy declared, “What is happening in Gaza is indefensible; it is inhumane; it is utterly unjustifiable, and it must end now.” French President Emmanuel Macron also convened a special summit earlier this week, which spurred coordinated recognition of Palestine.
Despite such diplomatic moves, analysts believe Netanyahu will double down on his hardline stance. “He is not coming to the UN to defend or explain his campaign in Gaza. He is coming to castigate the UN…and condemn those countries that recognised Palestine,” said Richard Gowan of the International Crisis Group.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmud Abbas addressed the Assembly virtually after Washington denied him a visa. Abbas rejected Hamas’s future role, condemned antisemitism, and denounced the October 7 attacks. But few expect his remarks to sway Netanyahu, whose opposition to Palestinian statehood remains absolute.
What you should know
Benjamin Netanyahu is set to deliver a fiery UN speech against Palestinian statehood, even as more Western nations formally recognise Palestine.
Facing an ICC warrant and rare pressure from President Trump, Netanyahu remains defiant amid global criticism of Israel’s Gaza campaign, which has left tens of thousands of Palestinians dead.
