Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced a dramatic mass walkout at the United Nations General Assembly on Friday as he defended Israel's military campaign in Gaza and vowed to "finish the job," underscoring the country's deepening diplomatic isolation amid intensifying international pressure.
Dozens of delegates from Arab and Muslim nations - joined by several African and European representatives - stood and exited the chamber as Netanyahu approached the podium. The scene contrasted sharply with the warm reception Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas received a day earlier when he delivered a virtual address and was met with extended applause.
Netanyahu struck a defiant tone, opening his speech by touting Israel's military operations and insisting the offensive in Gaza would continue until Hamas is eliminated. "The final remnants of Hamas are holed up in Gaza City," Netanyahu said. "They vow to repeat the atrocities of October 7 again and again and again. This is why Israel must finish the job."
He directed part of his remarks toward Hamas leaders, urging them to surrender and release hostages. "Lay down your arms. Let my people go," he said. "If you do, you will live. If you don't, Israel will hunt you down." Netanyahu claimed Israeli intelligence had commandeered phone networks in Gaza to broadcast his speech to the enclave's residents and hostages. "We have not forgotten you, not even for a second," he said, addressing those still held captive.
The Israeli leader also criticized the wave of countries - including France, the U.K. and Canada - that recently recognized a Palestinian state, calling the moves "shameful" and warning that they would "encourage terrorism against Jews and against innocent people everywhere."
His appearance came as Israel faces charges of genocide at the International Court of Justice and a growing number of governments and rights groups are condemning its military campaign. Netanyahu reportedly altered his flight path to avoid countries that could enforce an international arrest warrant sought by the ICC.
The political backdrop is becoming increasingly fraught. President Donald Trump, Israel's most important ally, issued a rare public rebuke of Netanyahu's government, warning he would not permit Israel to annex the West Bank. "I will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank. No, I will not allow it. It's not going to happen," Trump said, adding, "There's been enough. It's time to stop now."
Trump also outlined a 21-point peace plan to Arab leaders and dispatched special envoy Steve Witkoff to continue negotiations, calling the discussions "productive" and hinting that a breakthrough may be near. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair is reportedly being considered for a senior role in overseeing Gaza in a postwar arrangement, according to the Financial Times.
Abbas, whose visa was revoked by the U.S. last month, addressed the UN via video link and accused Israel of waging "a war of genocide, destruction, starvation and displacement." He reiterated that Hamas "would have no role to play in governance" in the future Palestinian state he envisions.
