Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, emphasized his close relationship with President Donald Trump in his speech at the UN General Assembly. He delivered this speech as Israel is on the brink of a crucial election.
Strengthening Relations with Trump
Netanyahu stated in this speech: "We have no better partner than President Trump" and appreciated his bold leadership. This support for Trump came at a time when tensions between the Israeli government and the Trump administration over the war with Iran, the Gaza conflicts, and settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank are escalating. Additionally, some Republicans in the U.S. have expressed dissatisfaction with the country's relations with Israel.
Criticism of Western Countries and Settler Violence
Netanyahu criticized Britain and France in part of his speech, accusing them of imposing trade sanctions on products from Israeli settlements in the West Bank. He called these countries hypocrites for accusing Israel of colonialism, stating: "You don't know what you're talking about!" He also emphasized that the issue of settler violence against Palestinians has received excessive attention from the international community.
Netanyahu criticized Qatar and Turkey, accusing them of spreading "anti-Semitic lies." He also accused New York Mayor Zahran Mandani of racism for his support of Palestinians and his connections with Hamas.
While Netanyahu was speaking, many delegations present in the UN hall walked out of the session. He criticized this act as an example of the hypocrisy of Western countries, stating that many leaders from these countries have privately thanked him for targeting Iran's nuclear program.
Overall, this speech reflects Netanyahu's efforts to strengthen his relations with Trump at a time when Israel is facing increasing isolation on the global stage, and many Israeli voters blame him for this isolation.
