Netanyahu at UN: Israel Must ‘Finish the Job’ in Gaza Amid Walkouts, ICC Pressure

Vowed to eradicate Hamas, Netanyahu at UN: Israel Must ‘Finish the Job’ in Gaza Amid Walkouts, ICC Pressure. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered one of his most defiant speeches yet at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, declaring that Israel “must finish the job” in Gaza despite mounting global criticism, accusations of genocide, and the looming shadow of an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant.

The 45-minute address was marked by fiery rhetoric, dramatic props, praise for Donald Trump, and open hostility toward Western nations that recently recognized a Palestinian state. But the impact was overshadowed by a dramatic walkout of dozens of diplomats, leaving the Israeli leader speaking to rows of empty seats. Netanyahu’s words underscored both his political strategy and Israel’s growing international isolation after nearly two years of war in Gaza that has left more than 65,000 Palestinians dead, according to Gaza’s health ministry.

Netanyahu at UN: Israel Must ‘Finish the Job’ in Gaza Amid Walkouts, ICC Pressure

Netanyahu’s Defiance: “Must Finish the Job”

In his opening remarks, Netanyahu rejected international calls for a ceasefire and insisted that Israel’s military campaign against Hamas would continue until the group was eradicated.

“Western leaders may have buckled under the pressure,” he said. “And I guarantee you one thing: Israel won’t. We must finish the job in Gaza, as quickly as possible.”

Netanyahu framed the war not as an isolated conflict but as part of a region-wide struggle against Iran and its proxies, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and militias in Syria and Iraq.

Holding up a map titled “THE CURSE,” he marked off countries where Israel had struck enemies in the past year. Later, in a theatrical twist, he posed multiple-choice questions to the audience:

“Who shouts ‘Death to America’? Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah, or Yemen’s Houthis?”

The stunt drew eye rolls from some delegates — and walkouts from others.

Also Read: Full text of Netanyahu’s speech: We won’t let the world shove a terror state down our throat

Walkouts and Empty Chairs

As Netanyahu entered the UNGA hall, scores of diplomats walked out in coordinated protest.

• Arab and Muslim nations left almost entirely.
• Delegates from several African countries and some Europeans joined them.
• Even before the speech, large portions of the hall were empty.

The dramatic walkout highlighted Israel’s deepening isolation. At one point, empty Iranian seats were filled with photos of children killed in Gaza, displayed by Tehran’s delegation in silent protest.

Meanwhile, outside the UN building in New York, thousands of protesters chanted against Netanyahu and denounced Israel’s war in Gaza.

ICC Arrest Warrant: Netanyahu’s Flight Detour

Netanyahu’s UN appearance was complicated by an ICC arrest warrant issued last November for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

To avoid risk of arrest, Netanyahu’s flight from Tel Aviv to New York took an unusual route, skirting French and Spanish airspace — both ICC member states — and flying instead along the Mediterranean and over the Strait of Gibraltar.

Flight-tracking data showed the detour added hours to the journey. While France later said it had approved Israeli overflight, Netanyahu’s office chose caution, underscoring the legal and diplomatic risks he faces abroad.

Recognition of Palestinian Statehood: “Mark of Shame”

In perhaps the most combative section of his speech, Netanyahu lashed out at Western nations that recently recognized a Palestinian state, including the UK, France, Canada, and Australia.

“Your disgraceful decision will encourage terrorism against Jews and against innocent people everywhere,” he said.
“This is sheer madness. It’s insane, and we won’t do it.”

Netanyahu compared post-October 7 recognition of Palestine to granting al-Qaeda a state after 9/11:

“Giving the Palestinians a state one mile from Jerusalem after October 7 is like giving al-Qaeda a state one mile from New York City after September 11.”

Members of the US delegation applauded, underlining Washington’s continued support even as many allies distance themselves from Israel.

Accusations of Genocide — and Denials

Israel has been accused by the UN, human rights groups, and international courts of committing genocide in Gaza. In his speech, Netanyahu dismissed these charges outright.

“Antisemitism dies hard. In fact, it doesn’t die at all,” he said, suggesting accusations of genocide were rooted in hatred of Jews.

He denied Israel uses starvation as a tactic, instead blaming Hamas for seizing aid:

“If there are Gazans who don’t have enough food, it’s because Hamas is stealing it.”

Yet UN-backed reports have confirmed famine in Gaza City, and a USAID review found no evidence of systematic Hamas looting of aid.

Message to Hamas and Hostages

In a striking move, Netanyahu said his speech was being broadcast live into Gaza via military loudspeakers and even directly to phones of Hamas operatives and civilians.

He spoke in Hebrew to hostages still held since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack:

“We have not forgotten you — not even for a second. The people of Israel are with you. We will not falter, and we will not rest until we bring all of you home.”

He also issued a chilling ultimatum to Hamas leaders: surrender or die.

Palestinians inside Gaza, however, reported they did not hear the speech, and there were no confirmed cases of phones being hacked.

Praise for Trump: “Bold and Decisive”

Throughout his address, Netanyahu repeatedly praised US President Donald Trump, his closest ally.

• He credited Trump with helping destroy Iran’s nuclear facilities during the June 12-day conflict.
• He described joint US-Israeli airstrikes on Tehran as “historic.”
• He declared: “President Trump and I promised to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons — and we delivered.”

Trump, speaking separately to journalists, claimed he had secured a “deal on Gaza,” though he gave no details.

Netanyahu the Showman

Netanyahu has long been known for dramatic props at the UN — from cartoon bomb diagrams to maps. This year was no different:

• He unfurled the map “The Curse.”
• He used a marker to check off enemy countries.
• He wore a QR code on his suit.
• He displayed multiple-choice questions like a school teacher.

Supporters saw a strong communicator. Critics, including Israeli opposition leaders, mocked him as childish, tired, and desperate.

Israeli Opposition’s Harsh Criticism

At home, Netanyahu’s UN performance drew sharp rebukes.

• Yair Lapid (opposition leader): Called it a “tired and whining” speech filled with gimmicks, failing to present a path forward for hostages or peace.
• Yair Golan (Democrats party): Branded the loudspeaker stunt “invalid, childish, and insane,” accusing Netanyahu of propaganda.
• Critics accused him of prolonging the Gaza war to cling to power, even at the expense of captives’ release.

Global Fallout: Isolation Deepens

The reaction to Netanyahu’s speech reinforced the sense of Israel’s diplomatic isolation:

• Arab nations condemned his remarks as inflammatory.
• European allies pushed back, defending recognition of Palestine as essential for peace.
• Protests erupted in New York, where demonstrators declared Netanyahu “not welcome.”
• UN officials criticized his dismissal of famine and war crimes accusations.

Even within Israel, frustration grows as the war drags on, hostages remain captive, and international pressure mounts.

Also Read: Israeli Ground Invasion of Gaza City Escalates: UN Genocide Report, Hospital Strikes, and Global Outcry

Conclusion: Defiance or Desperation?

Netanyahu’s UN speech was both a show of defiance and a sign of Israel’s fragile standing.

• To supporters, he projected strength, resolve, and a refusal to bow to global pressure.
• To critics, he appeared isolated, desperate, and increasingly out of step with allies — clinging to Trump’s support as the world turns away.

The phrase “finish the job” may rally his base, but it also raises stark questions:

• At what cost?
• For how long?
• And with what legitimacy on the world stage?

As Gaza’s war nears its second year and the ICC’s shadow looms, Netanyahu’s gamble at the UN may cement his place as a polarizing wartime leader — or accelerate his downfall in the face of mounting global outrage.