Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses the U.N. General Assembly in New York at 2 p.m. Eastern on Thursday, with Iran, Gaza and mounting international criticism of Israel expected to feature prominently in his remarks.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu takes the podium at the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday for a closely watched address expected to focus heavily on Iran, Israel’s military actions and the growing diplomatic pressure confronting his government.
Netanyahu is scheduled to speak at approximately 2 p.m. Eastern in New York. The address can be watched here.
https://www.youtube.com/live/yGGRNErktOs?si=dGyHz3scQf3QZppp
Ahead of leaving Israel, Netanyahu said he intended to use the U.N. platform to challenge accusations directed at Israel and its military.
“I am leaving tonight for New York in order to defend, from the UN podium, Israel and IDF soldiers,” Netanyahu said Wednesday.
“You hear the terrible lies that are being spread there,” he continued.
“I will fight against the lies, I will fight for the truth, for our soldiers, for our country,” Netanyahu said. “There will also be surprises.”
Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon said Thursday that Netanyahu intends to present his position on how Iran should be confronted and that the previously promised “surprises” would include what Israel describes as new evidence concerning Iranian activity.
The speech comes as the U.S.-Iran war and broader instability across the Middle East dominate this year’s General Assembly.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the assembly Wednesday and maintained that Tehran intends to continue pursuing what it describes as peaceful nuclear technology. The United States and Iran have shown no immediate breakthrough toward ending their conflict, while oil markets remain sensitive to disruptions involving the Strait of Hormuz.
Netanyahu is also arriving at the United Nations amid continued international criticism over Israel’s conduct in Gaza. Israel rejects accusations that its military campaign constitutes genocide and says its operations have targeted Hamas following the Oct. 7, 2023, attack in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 were taken hostage. Gaza health authorities say more than 73,000 Palestinians have been killed during the subsequent war; their figures do not distinguish in the overall total between civilians and combatants.
Netanyahu’s visit to the United States is unusually brief. His office said he would meet several foreign leaders in New York but did not announce a meeting with President Donald Trump. He is expected to return to Israel shortly after his U.N. appearance.
Before the speech, Netanyahu held meetings on the sidelines of the General Assembly, including talks with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša. His office said the meeting with Mitsotakis covered regional developments, energy cooperation and the countries’ strategic partnership.
Netanyahu’s appearance has also drawn demonstrations outside the United Nations, including both supporters and opponents of the Israeli prime minister.
His address is expected to provide Israel’s response to several days of criticism from world leaders at the General Assembly while laying out Netanyahu’s position on Iran and the wider regional conflict.
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