Benjamin Netanyahu attacks Britain and France at UN meeting

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Image: Firstpost

SUMMARY

On September 24, 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the United Nations General Assembly, denouncing accusations of genocide in Gaza as "the biggest lie of the century" and praising recent Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Delegations from dozens of countries walked out as he called remaining delegates "moral cowards" and attacked critics including New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Turkey’s President Erdogan, the United Kingdom and France.

WHY IT MATTERS

The speech highlights deep diplomatic rifts, with Israel asserting its security narrative while many nations condemn alleged war crimes, affecting future UN cooperation and regional stability. It also fuels domestic political debates in Israel ahead of elections and influences public opinion in allied countries about their support for Israeli policies.

◀ LEFT'S TAKE

Based on liberal positions on this issue, left‑leaning outlets frame Netanyahu’s remarks as inflammatory propaganda that downplays civilian suffering in Gaza and undermines international law, emphasizing the walkouts and arrests as evidence of global condemnation. They often label his language as "genocide denial" and portray the attacks on critics as attempts to silence dissent, while suggesting the United States’ partnership enables further aggression.

RIGHT'S TAKE ▶

Based on conservative positions on this issue, right‑leaning outlets portray the speech as a justified defense of Israel against unfounded accusations, highlighting Netanyahu’s condemnation of "moral cowards" and praise for President Trump as evidence of strong alliances. They criticize the walkouts and protests as politically motivated disruptions, argue that accusations of genocide are baseless, and depict criticism from figures like Mayor Mamdani as unfair attacks on Israel’s right to self‑defense.