Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sharply criticised Western countries on Friday for recognising Palestinian statehood. He accused them of legitimising violence against Jews. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, he said such recognition sends a dangerous message: “murdering Jews pays off.”

Netanyahu Criticises Western Diplomacy

Moreover, Netanyahu directly attacked recent moves by key US allies, saying they further isolated Israel amid its nearly two-year war with Hamas in Gaza. He stated, “This week, the leaders of France, Britain, Australia, Canada and other countries unconditionally recognised a Palestinian state. They did so after the horrors committed by Hamas on October 7 – horrors praised on that day by nearly 90% of the Palestinian population.”

He added, “You know what message the leaders who recognise the Palestinian state this week sent to the Palestinians? It’s a very clear message: murdering Jews pays off.” Consequently, Israel continues its military campaign against Hamas following the October 7, 2023 attack, which left around 1,200 dead, according to Israeli sources. Meanwhile, Israel’s retaliation in Gaza has killed over 65,000 people, according to Palestinian health authorities.

Mixed Reactions at the UN

As Netanyahu took the stage, many delegates walked out, while others gave him a standing ovation. He criticised world leaders, saying, “Over time, many world leaders buckled. They buckled under the pressure of a biased media, radical Islamist constituencies and antisemitic mobs. There’s a familiar saying, when the going gets tough, the tough get going. Well, for many countries here, when the going got tough, you caved.”

Furthermore, he noted that behind closed doors, leaders acknowledge Israel’s intelligence services, which prevent terrorist attacks in their countries. Netanyahu also dismissed the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant against him as a “false charge of genocide.”

Hostages and Gaza Conflict

Meanwhile, Netanyahu addressed hostages still held in Gaza, saying, “Much of the world no longer remembers October 7. But we remember. We’ve not forgotten you — not even for a second.” In addition, he broadcasted this message into Gaza using loudspeakers.

At the same time, Hamas reportedly offered to release the 20 remaining hostages if Israel ends the war and withdraws from Gaza. However, Netanyahu insisted the war must continue until Hamas is completely dismantled. Furthermore, former US President Donald Trump warned that recognising Palestinian statehood could reward Hamas for “horrible atrocities” and trigger more violence.

Palestinian Response

Meanwhile, denied a US visa, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas spoke to the UN via video. He called Israel’s military actions “a war of genocide”. He also welcomed recognition of Palestinian statehood, said the Palestinian Authority is ready to govern Gaza post-war, and insisted that Hamas must be disarmed and excluded.

West Bank Tensions and US Policy

Additionally, some of Netanyahu’s ministers called for annexing parts of the West Bank in reaction to growing Palestinian recognition. However, Trump rejected this idea, saying, “It’s not going to happen.” This could therefore strain relations between Trump and Netanyahu before their upcoming White House meeting.

Overall, Netanyahu condemned Western recognition of Palestine, defended Israel’s military operations, addressed hostages, and highlighted ongoing tensions over Gaza and regional diplomacy.