At a Glance

• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a combative UN General Assembly speech, sparking walkouts and jeers from international envoys.
• Facing an October 27 reelection battle at home, Netanyahu targeted Iran, Turkey, Western allies, and New York's mayor.
• He condemned New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani as antisemitic, while Mamdani slammed Netanyahu over ongoing ICC war crime allegations.
• Protesters gathered outside the UN headquarters, resulting in several detentions, including actor Susan Sarandon.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu used the global stage at the United Nations to launch a fiery address attacking both regional adversaries and traditional allies, triggering sharp disruptions and a wave of diplomatic walkouts inside the General Assembly hall.

Key Confrontations and International Reactions

• Diplomatic Walkouts: Dozens of envoys walked out, jeering and booing as Netanyahu lashed out, prompting the session speaker to demand order and Netanyahu to brand remaining critics "moral cowards."
• Clashes with Western Allies: Netanyahu criticized Britain and France over historical colonialism and their recent sanctions on Israeli exports from the West Bank, while also labeling Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan a "tyrant."
• Attacks on Iran: Describing Iran as a "murderous dictatorship," Netanyahu defended ongoing military actions with the US and claimed Tehran's path to nuclear weapons has been successfully halted.
• Pager Device Display: During the address, Netanyahu brandished a booby-trapped pager similar to those used in covert operations targeting Hezbollah operatives.

FYI

The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued statements regarding arrest warrants for leadership figures over alleged war crimes linked to the Gaza conflict, a move heavily contested by the Israeli government.

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