Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday sharply criticized Western nations that recently recognized Palestinian statehood, accusing them of rewarding violence and undermining Israel’s security.
Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Netanyahu denounced France, Britain, Australia, Canada, and other countries for granting recognition in the aftermath of the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack in Israel. He said the decision sent the message that “murdering Jews pays off.”
Calling the move a “mark of shame,” Netanyahu vowed that Israel’s government, the most right-wing in its history, would not accept the creation of a Palestinian state. “Over time, many world leaders buckled,” he said, accusing them of caving to pressure from “biased media” and “antisemitic mobs.”
The remarks came as Israel faces mounting international criticism over its military campaign in Gaza. Nearly two years of war have left more than 65,000 Palestinians dead, according to health officials in the territory, and much of Gaza in ruins. Israel says it launched its offensive in response to Hamas’s October 7 attack, which killed about 1,200 people.
Netanyahu’s appearance was met with both protest and support. Dozens of delegates walked out of the assembly hall as he began speaking, while some in the balcony gave him a standing ovation. Thousands of demonstrators rallied outside near Times Square in solidarity with Palestinians.
The Hamas-run Gaza government dismissed Netanyahu’s speech as “lies and blatant contradictions,” accusing him of attempting to justify “war crimes and acts of genocide.” Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who addressed the assembly by video after being denied a U.S. visa, thanked countries that recognized Palestinian statehood and reiterated calls for a two-state solution.
Several world leaders, including Ireland’s Prime Minister Micheál Martin, condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza. Martin described them as “an abandonment of all norms, all international rules and law.” The International Criminal Court has already issued a warrant for Netanyahu over alleged war crimes, charges Israel rejects.
In his address, Netanyahu also spoke directly to Israeli hostages still held in Gaza, assuring them they had not been forgotten. He said loudspeakers broadcast his message across the border in hopes captives would hear his pledge not to rest until they are freed.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump, who has voiced strong opposition to unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state, said negotiations to end the conflict and secure the release of the remaining hostages were “close.” He is expected to meet Netanyahu in Washington on Monday to discuss a potential framework for a deal.
Despite growing recognition of Palestine by individual nations, full U.N. membership would require Security Council approval, where the United States retains veto power.