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Netanyahu delivered a blistering address to the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, confronting New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Iran and international critics of Israel. The Israeli prime minister accused his opponents of distorting facts and said he would not be silenced.
Netanyahu’s Explosive UN Rebuke of Mamdani
During his speech in New York, Netanyahu sharply criticized Mamdani, accusing the mayor of spreading “lies” about Israel and attempting to prevent him from appearing in the city. Netanyahu also condemned what he described as Mamdani’s support for figures sympathetic to Hamas, including online commentator Hasan Piker.
“Shame on you for distorting the facts,” Netanyahu said, addressing critics in the assembly hall and Mamdani’s administration. “You can’t silence me. You can’t silence the truth.”
Netanyahu further argued that many Jewish residents no longer feel safe in New York following Mamdani’s election. He rejected allegations that Israel committed genocide and instead said Israel had acted to prevent a similar catastrophe against its own people.
A Fierce Defense of Israel’s War Strategy
The Israeli leader used the speech to defend his government’s military actions across the Middle East. He said Israel had defeated enemies on what he called “seven fronts,” naming Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, Iran-backed militias in Iraq and Syria, and Palestinian terrorists in Judea and Samaria.
Netanyahu credited the United States with helping Israel deliver what he described as “crippling blows” against Iran, Hamas and Hezbollah. He also defended attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, calling the decision difficult but necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
According to Netanyahu, some world leaders privately thanked Israel for striking Iran’s nuclear infrastructure while publicly condemning the operation. He called that contrast “mind-blowing hypocrisy,” as several delegates reportedly left the hall during his remarks.
Netanyahu Challenges Iran’s Delegation
In one of the speech’s most striking moments, Netanyahu held up a Starlink communications device and said it could help Iranians access information and speak freely. He said he would leave the device with Iran’s delegation, predicting that members could eventually defect from the regime.
“When they inevitably defect, they too will be able to freely tell their story on social media,” Netanyahu said.
The remarks came as Washington and Tehran reportedly discussed a phased arrangement involving the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy shipments. A senior Iranian official told Reuters that reopening the waterway could be part of a broader agreement involving the lifting of a blockade and the release of Iranian assets.
Regional Tensions Rise Around Iran and Gaza
Iranian leaders continued issuing warnings as diplomatic efforts unfolded. Major General Yahya Safavi, an adviser to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, said Iran could broaden the conflict toward the Indian Ocean if the United States or Israel launched another strike.
At the same time, the United Arab Emirates announced that it was suspending flights operated by Iranian airlines until further notice. The UAE joined several countries and the European Union in restricting Iranian carriers amid U.S. sanctions.
Saudi Arabia also reported intercepting six ballistic missiles launched by Houthi forces in Yemen. The latest attack added to concerns that the conflict could spread beyond Israel, Iran and Gaza into the Gulf and Red Sea regions.
On Gaza, the U.S.-backed Board of Peace unveiled a $2.45 billion, six-month rebuilding plan covering 66 projects in infrastructure, education, health and governance. Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon said disarming Hamas must remain central to any reconstruction effort.
Palestinian Authority Presents Alternative Vision
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the General Assembly through a prerecorded video after the Trump administration denied him a visa. Abbas said Palestinians sought a democratic, non-militarized state living peacefully alongside Israel.
He also urged President Donald Trump to uphold a previous commitment to oppose the annexation of Palestinian land and reject displacement. Abbas warned that the proposed E1 settlement plan could divide the West Bank and isolate East Jerusalem from surrounding Palestinian communities.
The competing messages underscored the deep disagreements surrounding Israel’s military campaign, Gaza’s future and the possibility of a broader regional settlement. Netanyahu’s address made clear that Israel intends to continue pressing its case directly on the world stage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Netanyahu’s UN Speech
What did Netanyahu say about Zohran Mamdani?
Netanyahu accused Mamdani of spreading false claims about Israel and attempting to silence him. He also criticized the mayor’s alleged association with individuals he described as supporters of Hamas.
What did Netanyahu say about Iran?
Netanyahu defended Israel’s strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and warned that Iran must not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon. He also used a Starlink device to criticize restrictions on free expression in Iran.
What is the Gaza rebuilding plan?
The U.S.-backed Board of Peace announced a $2.45 billion, six-month plan involving 66 projects focused on infrastructure, education, health and governance.
Why is the Strait of Hormuz important?
The Strait of Hormuz is a major energy shipping route. Any prolonged closure or disruption could affect oil prices, global trade and consumers around the world.
