Headline: Netanyahu Defends Israeli Military Campaigns as Delegates Walk Out of UN Speech

Date: 24 September 2026

Tags: Israel, Gaza, United Nations, Middle East

Summary:

• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended Israel’s military campaigns in Gaza, Iran and elsewhere during his UN General Assembly speech.

• Dozens of delegates walked out before Netanyahu spoke, while he vowed Israel would continue fighting.

• Netanyahu rejected accusations that Israel’s military campaign in Gaza amounts to genocide.

• Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas accused Israel of conducting a “genocidal war” and undermining prospects for a two-state solution.

• UN figures say 23 Palestinians have been killed during West Bank settler attacks this year, contradicting Netanyahu’s lower estimate.

• Netanyahu criticised Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, prompting responses from both sides.

• Netanyahu praised Donald Trump and highlighted joint US-Israeli strikes against Iran launched in February.

• Netanyahu faces an Israeli election next month, the country’s first since the Hamas-led attacks of 7 October 2023.

• Protesters against Netanyahu’s New York visit were detained, including actresses Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder.

• Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry says more than 73,920 people have been killed during Israel’s military campaign.

Why this matters: Netanyahu’s speech highlighted continuing international divisions over Israel’s military actions as he prepares for an election at home.

What’s next: Israel’s election next month will take place amid continuing regional conflict and international scrutiny of the government’s military policies.