By Raymond Ken-Mbata
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
NEW YORK – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defended his country’s military actions against Iran and armed groups in the Middle East, accusing some world leaders of applying double standards in their criticism of Israel.
Netanyahu made the remarks during his address to the 2026 United Nations General Assembly, where he argued that Israel’s military operations were necessary to protect its citizens from attacks by Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran and other groups.
The Israeli leader recalled the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas, describing the killings and hostage-taking as a defining moment in Israel’s recent history. He said approximately 1,200 people were killed in the attacks and maintained that Israel had a responsibility to prevent similar incidents.
He also highlighted the military campaign against Iran, claiming that joint operations involving Israeli and American forces had significantly weakened Iran’s military capabilities and damaged its nuclear facilities. He praised US President Donald Trump for supporting Israel’s security objectives.
Netanyahu further defended Israel against accusations of genocide in Gaza, arguing that his government had taken measures to reduce civilian casualties, including issuing evacuation warnings and facilitating humanitarian assistance. He rejected allegations that Israel had deliberately targeted the Palestinian population.
However, his position remains sharply contested amid the devastating humanitarian consequences of the war in Gaza, including extensive destruction, mass displacement and the deaths of Palestinian civilians. International scrutiny of Israel’s conduct and the protection of civilians has remained a major issue in the conflict.
The Israeli prime minister also criticised countries he accused of spreading misinformation about his government, specifically targeting Qatar and Turkey over their regional policies and relationships with Hamas. He further condemned antisemitism and urged Jewish communities worldwide to remain confident in the face of threats and discrimination.
On the Palestinian question, Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s historical and security claims, while opposing what he described as attempts to undermine the Jewish state’s existence. His address reflected the continuing divide between Israel and countries demanding greater accountability over the war and its humanitarian consequences.
The speech underscored the deep divisions within the international community over the Middle East conflict, with questions of security, Palestinian statehood, humanitarian protection and regional stability continuing to dominate diplomatic discussions.