He also defended Israel’s military action against Iran
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack was, in proportionate terms, equivalent to 16 September 11 attacks in the United States. Recalling the attack, Netanyahu said Hamas militants had killed about 1,200 people in Israel, including civilians, and abducted 251 others.
He rejected the allegations, calling Israeli genocide claims “the biggest lie of the century”. “In defending itself, Israel is also defending many of the countries whose delegates just left this hall,” Netanyahu said. “In fact, I want you to know that many of their leaders even thank us privately for taking out Iran’s nukes.”
Netanyahu’s remarks came after days of speeches from world leaders condemning Israel’s war in Gaza and accusing his government of genocide against Palestinians.
At least 73,922 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s subsequent offensive, while Israel maintains control over large parts of the territory and continues military operations, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. I won’t stand for vigilantism,” while accusing foreign leaders and international media of exaggerating the scale of the violence.
He also defended Israel’s decision to attack Iran, saying it was “one of the easiest decisions I’ve ever had to make”, and thanked US President Donald Trump for his actions against Tehran. Netanyahu’s speech also addressed violence by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, which he described as involving a “handful of young juvenile delinquents”. He said, “I can’t stand that.
His address came as Israel faced growing international criticism over its conduct of the Gaza war.