United Nations: Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday categorically rejected a two-state solution that would establish an independent Palestinian state, calling it “suicidal” for Israel.
Addressing the General Assembly, Netanyahu criticized Western nations—including France, Canada, and Britain—for recognizing Palestine, labeling such moves as naive. He denounced the Assembly’s recent resolution reaffirming the two-state solution, which envisions Israel and a sovereign Palestine coexisting peacefully.
“We will not allow you to shove a terror state down our throats” due to media and political pressures, he said, accusing countries that previously supported Israel unconditionally of sending the message that “murdering Jews pays off,” citing attacks on Jewish communities worldwide.
Netanyahu warned that Israel would “finish the job” against Hamas in Gaza unless the group released the remaining hostages taken during the 2023 attack on Israel, which killed more than 1,200 people. Hamas has refused, prompting a large-scale Israeli operation in Gaza.
“Free the hostages now,” Netanyahu demanded. “If you do, you will live. If you don’t, Israel will hunt you down.”
His speech drew mixed reactions in the Assembly: several countries walked out as he approached the podium, while others remained and applauded.
Netanyahu employed digital visuals and props to underscore his points, including a QR code on his lapel linking to information on Hamas’s attacks on Israelis. He also conducted a “pop quiz” with a placard asking who hates Israel, listing terrorist groups and countries including Iran.
Outside the UN, demonstrations both supporting and opposing Netanyahu took place. At Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, vigils were held for victims of the Hamas attack, with floral tributes and images of hostages, calling for their release. Pro-Palestine and pro-Hamas protesters elsewhere accused Netanyahu of “genocide.”
In his address, Netanyahu rejected such allegations, saying Israel takes steps to protect civilians before any military action. “If Israel were intent on genocide, we would not have warned civilians,” he said. He also denied accusations of starving Gaza’s population, noting that Israel had sent tonnes of food and essential supplies, which Hamas allegedly looted and prevented from reaching residents.
Comparing the push for a Palestinian state to creating an al-Qaeda nation near New York after the 9/11 attacks, Netanyahu said Palestinians could not be trusted to uphold promises of peace.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, in his speech on Thursday, condemned Hamas, called for the hostages’ release, and reiterated that Palestinians seek a peaceful state that recognizes Israel.
Netanyahu reserved particularly strong criticism for Iran, whose regional proxies are being countered by Israel, while noting ongoing talks with Syria toward normalizing relations—an outcome once considered unlikely.
