Netanyahu Tells UN Israel ‘Must Finish the Job’ against Hamas in Gaza/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Manour/ Morning Edition/ Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu used his UN General Assembly address Friday to defend Israel’s war in Gaza, declaring it “must finish the job” against Hamas. His speech came amid global calls for a ceasefire, war crimes allegations, and growing recognition of Palestinian statehood. Netanyahu vowed to resist pressure, accusing critics of antisemitism.
Netanyahu UN Speech Quick Looks
- Key Message: Israel must continue fighting Hamas until victory.
- Global Walkout: Dozens of delegations exited the UN hall.
- Accusations: Netanyahu labeled critics antisemitic; wore “hostages” pin.
- Visual Aid: Held up map labeled “THE CURSE.”
- International Isolation: ICC arrest warrant, genocide allegations, sanctions threats.
- Statehood Momentum: France, UK, Canada recognized Palestinian statehood.
- Palestinian Death Toll: Over 65,000 killed, 90% displaced, widespread hunger.
- Trump Factor: Praised Trump as ally, but U.S. set limits.
- Regional Strategy: Israel to broadcast Netanyahu’s speech into Gaza.
- Palestinian Response: Mahmoud Abbas urged recognition and end of occupation.
Deep Look: Netanyahu Defends Gaza War in Defiant UN Speech
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered one of the most closely watched and divisive speeches of the 2025 UN General Assembly, declaring that Israel “must finish the job” against Hamas despite intensifying global backlash over his government’s handling of the Gaza war.
A Polarized Reception
As Netanyahu approached the podium in New York on Friday, dozens of delegates walked out of the assembly hall in protest. Shouts echoed from some corners while applause rose from others. The U.S. delegation—Israel’s strongest backer—remained seated, but only junior diplomats represented Washington and London, signaling discomfort among key allies.
Wearing a lapel pin bearing a QR code linking to a site about the October 7 Hamas attacks, Netanyahu struck a defiant tone. He displayed a map titled “THE CURSE” while accusing critics of antisemitism:
“Anti-semitism dies hard. In fact, it doesn’t die at all.”
A Leader Under Pressure
Netanyahu’s speech came at a moment of extraordinary pressure.
- War Crimes Allegations: The International Criminal Court has issued a warrant accusing him of crimes against humanity.
- Genocide Claims: The UN’s top court is weighing South Africa’s charge that Israel committed genocide in Gaza.
- Sanctions Threats: The European Union is considering economic measures against Israel.
- Diplomatic Losses: Australia, Canada, France, and the UK joined more than 150 nations in recognizing a Palestinian state.
Despite this, Netanyahu insisted Israel’s campaign was justified. Boarding his plane to New York, he vowed to “tell our truth” and condemn those who “want to give murderers and rapists a state.”
The Human Cost in Gaza
Israel’s sweeping military offensive has devastated Gaza. According to local authorities, more than 65,000 Palestinians have been killed, while 90% of the enclave’s residents have been displaced, with many facing starvation.
The war was triggered by Hamas’s October 7 attack that killed about 1,200 people in Israel and saw 251 hostages taken.
World leaders have acknowledged the brutality of the attack but increasingly call for a ceasefire, humanitarian access, and recognition of Palestinian statehood.
Trump’s Support—With Caveats
Netanyahu leaned heavily on praise for President Donald Trump, his staunchest international ally. He credited Trump with supporting Israel militarily and diplomatically.
Yet even Trump signaled limits, telling reporters this week that the U.S. would not allow Israel to annex the occupied West Bank, despite calls within Netanyahu’s coalition to do so.
Israel recently approved a settlement plan critics warn would split the West Bank in two, undermining the prospects of a two-state solution.
Israel’s Strategy: Messaging Into Gaza
In a symbolic move, Netanyahu’s office announced that his UN speech would be broadcast live into Gaza. Israeli authorities planned to use mobile phone networks and loudspeakers along the border to ensure Palestinians in the enclave heard his message.
Palestinian Response
On Thursday, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the assembly via video, after the U.S. denied him a visa. Abbas welcomed the growing recognition of Palestine but demanded concrete steps:
“The time has come for the international community to do right by the Palestinian people … and not leave us hostage to Israeli politics.”
Abbas reiterated his rejection of Hamas’s October 7 assault but insisted the Palestinian Authority was ready to govern Gaza once the war ends.
Two-State Solution Rejected
The international community has long championed a two-state solution involving Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. But Netanyahu doubled down on his opposition, declaring such a move would reward Hamas.
“This will not happen,” he said before leaving Israel.
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