Netanyahu Dismisses Genocide Claims as 'Biggest Lie' at U.N.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the U.N. General Assembly that allegations of genocide in Gaza are false and called them "the biggest lie of the century." He defended Israel's attack on Iran and criticized delegates who walked out during his speech. Many countries had coordinated a walkout to protest Israel's actions in Gaza.
Netanyahu’s address came after a week of speeches in which numerous world leaders accused Israel of genocide and war crimes in Gaza. The Palestinian Mission had urged member nations to stage a coordinated walkout, and many did, leaving visible rows empty. Netanyahu responded by calling those who left “moral cowards,” and he defended Israel’s 2024 pager attack on Hezbollah as a legitimate act of self-defense.
The prime minister also reiterated his long-standing opposition to a Palestinian state, a position he has held throughout his leadership. His speech doubled as a domestic campaign message, with Israeli elections approaching, while Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas delivered prerecorded remarks after the U.S. denied him a visa for the second consecutive year.
This confrontation could deepen international divisions over the Gaza war, potentially hardening public opinion in both Western and Global South nations. Walkouts and harsh rhetoric may reduce space for diplomatic compromise, affecting peace efforts and humanitarian aid coordination. Leaders who privately support Israel may face domestic pressure, while Palestinian advocates could use Netanyahu’s defiance to rally support. The episode may also influence U.N. credibility and future voting patterns on Israel-related resolutions.