Netanyahu rebukes Western states over Palestinian statehood

UNITED NATIONS: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday lashed out at Western countries for recognising Palestinian statehood, accusing them of caving in to pressure from activists and critics of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.

Addressing the UN General Assembly, Netanyahu rejected diplomatic steps taken by U.S. allies, including France, Britain, Canada and Australia, which have recognised Palestine in recent days. He said their move came despite what he called “the horrors of Oct 7,” blaming Hamas for attacks that killed some 1,200 people in Israel, according to official tallies.

“Over time, many world leaders buckled — under pressure of a biased media, radical Islamist constituencies and antisemitic mobs,” Netanyahu said. “When the going got tough, you caved.”

His speech came as frustration mounted over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, which Palestinian health officials say has killed more than 65,000 people and devastated much of the enclave.

Delegates walk out as Netanyahu speaks

Scores of delegates walked out as Netanyahu took the stage, though some in the gallery rose for a standing ovation. The Israeli leader dismissed accusations of genocide, calling them false, and said many leaders who criticise Israel publicly “privately thank us” for intelligence cooperation.

The International Criminal Court has issued a warrant for Netanyahu over alleged war crimes in Gaza, charges Israel rejects.

Message to hostages

Switching briefly to Hebrew, Netanyahu addressed the hostages still believed to be alive in Gaza. “We have not forgotten you, not for a second,” he said, pledging Israel would continue efforts to secure their release. Hamas has offered to free the remaining captives in exchange for an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and an end to the war.

Regional, political pressures

Netanyahu’s comments underscored the growing international divide. While Western powers argue recognition of Palestine is essential to keep alive the prospect of a two-state solution, Netanyahu insisted there would be no Palestinian state while Hamas remained a threat.

He continues to rely on US backing, with President Donald Trump warning this week that recognising Palestine risked “rewarding Hamas” and vowing to block any Israeli move to annex the occupied West Bank. Netanyahu is due to meet Trump in Washington on Monday amid pressure from hostage families and his own far-right coalition.

Earlier, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, addressing the Assembly by video after being denied a US visa, thanked countries recognising Palestine and pledged his authority would be ready to govern post-war Gaza, without Hamas.