Benjamin Netanyahu UN General Assembly Speech (Sept 26, 2025)

[David]

Introduction
The assembly continued its consideration of the general debate. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel was escorted to the podium to address the assembly.

Netanyahu began by addressing the families of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza. He reminded the world that last year he presented a map of Iran’s terror axis, warning it threatened global peace, regional stability, and Israel’s very existence.

Iran and Terror Axis​

He described how Iran was developing nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles to target Israel, the United States, and other nations. From Gaza, Hamas terrorists stormed Israel on October 7th, committing atrocities. From Lebanon, Hezbollah launched thousands of rockets. In Syria, Assad hosted Iranian forces, while in Yemen the Houthis attacked Israel and global trade.

Over the past year, Netanyahu said Israel struck back. They hit the Houthis, destroyed Hamas’s terror infrastructure, eliminated leaders, crippled weapons supplies, destroyed Assad’s armaments, deterred Iranian militias, and most importantly, devastated Iran’s nuclear and missile programs. He praised “Operation Rising Lion,” a 12-day war in which Israeli and American forces destroyed Iran’s nuclear facilities. He thanked President Trump for bold action and said together they removed an existential threat to Israel and a mortal threat to the civilized world.

Warning Against Iran​

He warned the world not to let Iran rebuild and called for UN sanctions to be snapped back. He described Israel’s comeback from October 7th as one of the most stunning in military history, but said the job is not finished because Hamas remnants remain in Gaza City. He vowed Israel must finish the fight quickly.

October 7th Atrocities and Hostages​

Netanyahu reminded the assembly of the horrors of October 7th: 1,200 slaughtered, including over 40 Americans; men beheaded, women raped, babies burned alive, and more than 250 hostages taken, including grandmothers and children. He listed the names of 20 hostages still alive, tortured and starved in Gaza. In a dramatic move, he spoke directly to them through loudspeakers installed around Gaza, promising Israel would not rest until they were freed. He demanded Hamas release all 48 remaining hostages, warning their jailers to surrender or be hunted down. He declared the war could end immediately if Hamas freed the captives, Gaza was demilitarized, and a peaceful authority established.

Israel as Defender of the West​

Turning to the world, Netanyahu said Israel’s enemies are the same enemies of America and the West. He did a “pop quiz,” noting Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis all chant “Death to America” and murder Westerners. He argued Israel is on the front line for the entire free world, sharing intelligence that has saved countless lives. He accused many leaders of hypocrisy—condemning Israel publicly while thanking them privately for protecting their nations. He rebuked those who caved to media pressure and mobs, saying Israel fights not just for itself but for all civilized nations.

Accusations of Genocide and Starvation​

He condemned false charges of genocide and starvation, pointing out Israel drops leaflets, sends texts, and urges civilians to evacuate, while Hamas forces them to stay as human shields. He argued no genocidal regime has ever begged civilians to leave. He said Israel has sent over two million tons of aid into Gaza—one ton per person—and if people starve, it is because Hamas steals it. He compared modern lies against Israel to medieval blood libels, warning that antisemitism is once again on the rise worldwide.

Palestinian Statehood​

Netanyahu blasted Western nations like France, Britain, Australia, and Canada for recognizing a Palestinian state right after the October 7th massacre, saying this rewards terrorism. He reminded that Palestinians celebrated October 7th and have always rejected peace, using every concession to launch new attacks. He declared the true obstacle to peace is not the absence of a Palestinian state, but the refusal to accept a Jewish state. He accused even the Palestinian Authority of paying terrorists and teaching hatred, warning the world that creating a Palestinian state after October 7th would be “sheer madness.”

Israel’s Resolve and Opportunities for Peace​

He stressed Israel will not allow a terrorist state to be forced upon it, noting that over 90% of Israel’s parliament opposes such a move. He said Israel will not bow to pressure and will never commit national suicide. Instead, he pointed to opportunities for peace with Syria, Lebanon, and across the Arab world, saying Israel’s strength has opened new doors. He praised the Abraham Accords and suggested more Muslim nations may follow, even hinting at future peace with Iran once its oppressive regime falls.