Netanyahu UN Speech Broadcast Sparks Domestic, Global Backlash

At the U.N. General Assembly, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a speech in which he catalogued Israeli claims of victories over Hamas and Iran, recalled the Oct. 7 attacks, listed remaining hostages and said Israel must finish the job in Gaza. His office ordered a public-diplomacy operation to broadcast the speech toward Gaza via loudspeakers — the IDF confirmed nine systems were used — while the Prime Minister’s Office said the speakers would remain on the Israeli side and not endanger soldiers. Confusion over whether speakers entered Gaza and anger from soldiers’ parents and some officers prompted fierce domestic criticism, with opposition leader Yair Lapid calling the move megalomaniacal and urging the IDF to refuse the order. The speech came amid mounting international pressure — including some countries’ recognition of a Palestinian state, a U.N. push for a ceasefire and an ICC arrest warrant — which Netanyahu rejected while saying he was telling Israel’s truth. The episode highlights deep diplomatic strain over heavy Palestinian civilian casualties and displacement, Israel’s insistence on eradicating Hamas and returning hostages, and tensions with allies even as some U.S. officials have largely backed Israel while resisting steps like West Bank annexation.