Netanyahu at UN: Palestinian Statehood a “National Suicide” for Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a fiery address at the United Nations on Friday, rejecting calls for Palestinian statehood and warning that such a move would amount to “national suicide” for Israel.

Netanyahu accused European leaders of rewarding Hamas by recognizing a Palestinian state, just days after Britain, France, and other Western nations made the declaration.

“They have sent a very clear message that murdering Jews pays off,” Netanyahu said. “Israel will not allow you to shove a terrorist state down our throats. We will not commit national suicide because you don’t have the guts to face down the hostile media and antisemitic mobs demanding Israel’s blood.”

Speaking as parts of his address were reportedly broadcast on Israeli military loudspeakers in Gaza, Netanyahu vowed to “finish the job” against Hamas, even as former U.S. President Donald Trump suggested a ceasefire deal was close.

The October 7, 2023 Hamas assault — the deadliest day in Israel’s history — left 1,219 people dead, mostly civilians. Israel’s retaliatory offensive in Gaza has since killed more than 65,000 Palestinians, according to health ministry figures cited by the UN.

While Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas condemned both Hamas’ attack and antisemitism in his own UN speech, Netanyahu dismissed the Authority as “corrupt to the core” and derided Western backing of Abbas.

Palestinian foreign ministry official Adel Atieh responded by describing Netanyahu’s remarks as “the speech of a defeated man.”

The Israeli leader did not address annexation of the West Bank, a move some in his cabinet have promoted. Trump, while praising Netanyahu, has warned against such steps as he pushes a Gaza plan tied to Hamas’ disarmament.

Netanyahu also used his platform to reject genocide allegations, insisting civilians in Gaza were repeatedly urged to evacuate. But humanitarian groups argue that forced displacement itself violates international law. Nearly the entire population of Gaza has been uprooted by the war.

Facing an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for alleged war crimes, Netanyahu traveled to New York via an unusual route over the Strait of Gibraltar. His arrival was met with protests in Times Square and walkouts inside the UN General Assembly chamber.

Outside his hotel, demonstrators demanded accountability. “War criminals don’t deserve any peace of mind. They don’t deserve any sleep,” protester Andrea Mirez said.

Netanyahu, however, sought to reassure families of hostages still held in Gaza. “We have not forgotten you — not even for a second,” he declared in Hebrew.

The prime minister concluded by displaying a map of the Middle East, theatrically crossing out adversaries Israel has targeted, while Iran — which boycotted the session — dismissed his remarks.

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