In a direct rebuke to close allies like the United Kingdom and Canada, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu used his UN platform to call their recent recognition of a Palestinian state “insane.” He argued that such a move in the wake of the October 7 attacks constitutes a reward for terror and fundamentally undermines Israeli security.
The speech was delivered under a cloud of international protest. Diplomats from over 50 countries, representing a broad coalition of nations, walked out of the General Assembly hall. This left Netanyahu to deliver his fiery remarks to a sparse audience, symbolizing a growing divide between Israel and much of the world.
Netanyahu also reaffirmed his commitment to the ongoing military campaign in Gaza. He declared his intention to “finish the job” by targeting what he claims are the last remaining Hamas fighters in Gaza City, dismissing international outcries over the humanitarian toll of the nearly two-year-long conflict.
Simultaneously, Netanyahu faced pressure from a different front, with Donald Trump warning against any Israeli annexation of the West Bank. While Netanyahu avoided this topic, his aggressive rhetoric and dismissal of the two-state solution have set the stage for a tense meeting at the White House.
After Allies Recognize Palestine, Netanyahu Calls Move ‘Insane’ at UN
