Netanyahu defends Gaza Campaign, Issues Ultimatum to Hamas at UN General Assembly
UNITED NATIONS – September 26, 2025 – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a defiant address to the United Nations General Assembly today, defending his country’s nearly two-year military campaign in Gaza and issuing a stark ultimatum to Hamas: lay down weapons and release Israeli captives, or face destruction. The speech,punctuated by walkouts from several delegations,came amidst growing international criticism and an International Criminal Court warrant for Netanyahu’s arrest over alleged war crimes.
Netanyahu directly addressed the Israeli hostages held in Gaza, stating, “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 claimed the speech was being broadcast directly to cellphones within gaza, including those of Hamas leadership.
the Prime Minister issued a direct threat, stating that Hamas should release the captives and surrender, “or they would die.”
Netanyahu repeatedly justified the ongoing war by referencing the October 2023 attack, and outlined what he described as a “seven-front war” israel has waged against regional adversaries, displaying a map titled “The Curse” identifying Gaza, Yemen, Iran, Syria, Lebanon, and Iraqi militia as enemies. He notably praised the united States as Israel’s “staunchest defender” and main military backer, while criticizing other western allies, claiming they privately acknowledge Israel is “fighting your fight” against terror. Members of the US delegation were observed applauding throughout the speech.
Facing accusations of prolonging the war for political gain, and with critics alleging his actions impede the release of captives, Netanyahu vehemently denied accusations of genocide in Gaza, despite findings from a UN inquiry and a growing number of experts. He argued that Israel would not order evacuations if intending to commit genocide.
He also refuted claims of deliberately starving the population of Gaza, where famine has been declared, instead blaming hamas for stealing and reselling aid to finance the conflict. This claim was challenged by a late june USAID report which concluded ther was no evidence of systematic looting of US-provided aid by Hamas.
The speech drew immediate criticism. Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid described the address as “a tired and whining” performance filled with “tired gimmicks,” and faulted Netanyahu for failing to present a plan for securing the release of the Israeli hostages. Gaza’s government condemned the speech as containing “eight major lies” intended to justify what they called war crimes and genocide.
