Netanyahu calls Macron's remarks on West Bank in UN speech 'grotesque'
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told i24NEWS that riots in France validate his previous warnings to President Emmanuel Macron. Netanyahu claimed he told Macron that Hamas would reach Paris if the group was not eliminated in Gaza. These comments come as Netanyahu campaigns for the 2026 elections and the UN Security Council debates a spike in Israeli strikes, demolitions, and violence across Gaza and the West Bank.
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- ✓ Benjamin Netanyahu appeared in an i24NEWS studio on October 20, 2026, to discuss his election campaign.
- ✓ The UN Security Council held an open debate on Thursday regarding the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, noting a rise in lethal Israeli strikes and demolitions.
What changed
Netanyahu explicitly linked current French civil unrest to the failure to eliminate Hamas.
Live updates
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Netanyahu links French riots to Hamas in i24NEWS interview
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told i24NEWS that riots in France validate his previous warnings to President Emmanuel Macron. Netanyahu claimed he told Macron that Hamas would reach Paris if the group was not eliminated in Gaza. These comments come as Netanyahu campaigns for the 2026 elections and the UN Security Council debates a spike in Israeli strikes, demolitions, and violence across Gaza and the West Bank.
Why it matters
Netanyahu has consistently argued that Israeli military operations serve as a bulwark against global instability. This rhetoric follows his recent UN General Assembly address where he labeled the recognition of a Palestinian state as national suicide.
What is confirmed
- Benjamin Netanyahu appeared in an i24NEWS studio on October 20, 2026, to discuss his election campaign.
- The UN Security Council held an open debate on Thursday regarding the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, noting a rise in lethal Israeli strikes and demolitions.
Still unconfirmed
- Benjamin Netanyahu told Emmanuel Macron that Hamas would reach Paris if not eliminated.
What to watch next
- Official response from the French government regarding Netanyahu's claims
- Updates on the 2026 Israeli election results
- Further UN Security Council resolutions on West Bank violence
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (3)
- news.un.org — Security Council LIVE: Deaths, demolitions spike in Gaza ...
- elderofziyon.blogspot.com — 10/19 Links Pt2: American Intellectual Antisemitism; Sally Rooney is a posturing ingrate; Radical anti-Israel leftist a suspect in....
- www.i24news.tv — Netanyahu Blasts Macron Over France Riots: 'I Warned Him ...
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Netanyahu labels UN walkouts cowardice and rejects Palestinian statehood
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the delegates who walked out of his United Nations General Assembly speech "moral cowards." During his address, he argued that recognizing a Palestinian state would constitute "national suicide" for Israel. Netanyahu defended military actions against Hamas and Iran, while the Prime Minister's Office issued a caution regarding reports that masked Israelis attacked European diplomats. These remarks follow a pattern of Netanyahu pushing back against global condemnation and European diplomatic movements toward Palestinian recognition.
Why it matters
The Prime Minister is balancing international pressure with domestic political needs. His rhetoric at the UN serves to signal strength to Israeli voters and allies. The tension with European diplomats suggests a deteriorating relationship between Israel and several EU member states.
What is confirmed
- Benjamin Netanyahu called the UN delegates who walked out of his speech "moral cowards."
- Netanyahu stated that Palestinian statehood would be equivalent to "national suicide" for Israel.
Still unconfirmed
- Masked Israelis attacked European diplomats.
- Naftali Bennett's statements about Netanyahu were intended to be absurd.
What to watch next
- Official responses from European governments regarding the reported attacks on diplomats
- Further diplomatic actions by EU nations toward Palestinian statehood recognition
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.aljazeera.com — Palestine | Palestine | Today's latest from Al Jazeera
- spectrumlocalnews.com — Netanyahu says attacking Iran was one of 'easiest decisions’
- www.jpost.com — Bennett's remarks about Benjamin Netanyahu spark backlash ...
- www.wionews.com — WATCH | Majority of delegations walk out of UN as Netanyahu ...
- www.jpost.com — Benjamin Netanyahu addresses accusations by European ...
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Netanyahu Defends Military Actions at UN General Assembly Amid Backlash
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu used his United Nations General Assembly address to defend military operations in Gaza and the West Bank while pushing back against global condemnation. Netanyahu focused his remarks on Iran, labeled the Israeli Defense Forces the most moral army in the world, and vowed to oppose European moves recognizing a Palestinian state. Scores of delegates walked out ahead of his speech. A veteran analyst suggests Netanyahu directed his fiery address toward domestic Israeli voters and President Donald Trump to secure his political survival.
Why it matters
The diplomatic friction highlights deep international divisions over the ongoing Gaza conflict and the status of the West Bank. French President Emmanuel Macron previously drew sharp condemnation from Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich after criticizing Israeli military actions in the West Bank during his own UN address. Netanyahu also faces intense internal scrutiny over security failures linked to the October 7 attacks, following disclosures regarding internal warnings received by the Israeli leader.
What is confirmed
- Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the United Nations General Assembly to defend Israel actions in Gaza and the West Bank.
- Scores of delegates walked out ahead of Netanyahu address at the United Nations.
- Netanyahu vowed at the United Nations to oppose European moves recognising a Palestinian state.
Still unconfirmed
- A veteran analyst claims that the real targets of Netanyahu fiery UN speech were Israeli voters and President Trump to secure his political survival.
What to watch next
- Developments regarding the proposed recognition of a Palestinian state by European nations
- Any official responses from President Donald Trump following Netanyahu visit to Washington
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (11)
- www.aljazeera.com — Benjamin Netanyahu | Today's latest from Al Jazeera
- www.cbsnews.com — Netanyahu lashed Mamdani in fiery U.N. speech, but real aim was his own political survival, analyst says
- www.cbsnews.com — Israel's Netanyahu set to hit back at widespread criticism in U.N. address
- en.wikipedia.org — Benjamin Netanyahu - Wikipedia
- www.wionews.com — ‘Shameful capitulation’: Netanyahu vows to 'denounce' those ...
- www.arabnews.com — West Bank - Arab News
- www.youtube.com — LIVE: Israel PM Netanyahu speech at UN General Assembly 2026...
- inews.co.uk — Netanyahu is fighting for his future. In the West Bank ...
- www.thedailystar.net — Scores of delegates walk out ahead of Netanyahu's UNGA speech
- www.cnn.com — Netanyahu military aide reveals internal warnings before Oct. 7:...
- www.theguardian.com — Netanyahu condemns media and Mamdani while praising Trump at UN...
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Netanyahu Blasts Macron Over UN Speech Remarks
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich condemned French President Emmanuel Macron following his United Nations General Assembly address concerning the occupied West Bank. Netanyahu termed the French leader remarks grotesque and outrageous after Macron criticized Israeli military actions and appeared to downplay Hamas activities inside the Palestinian Authority territory. Netanyahu also denounced diplomats who walked out during his own address as moral cowards, as international scrutiny mounts over Israel military actions and France diplomatic positioning on the Gaza conflict.
Why it matters
The dispute highlights intensifying friction between Israel and Western allies over military tactics and territorial governance. Macron's UN address drew swift condemnation from Israeli leadership, exposing deep divisions regarding the handling of Hamas and the occupied territories. Meanwhile, external commentators suggest that US political pressures involving Donald Trump and the war on Iran add further strain to the regional diplomatic environment.
What is confirmed
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich slammed French President Emmanuel Macron over remarks regarding the occupied West Bank delivered during the United Nations General Assembly.
- Netanyahu labeled the comments grotesque and outrageous after Macron criticized Israeli actions and appeared to downplay Hamas activities in the territory governed by the Palestinian Authority.
- Netanyahu criticized diplomats who walked out of his own UN speech as moral cowards.
Still unconfirmed
- Donald Trump is nosediving in the polls and bristling over a disastrous war on Iran, needing a scapegoat where the Israeli prime minister best fits the bill.
What to watch next
- Further diplomatic statements or retaliatory measures between the Israeli and French governments.
- Reactions from other Western nations regarding the occupied West Bank and the Gaza conflict.
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (3)
- www.timesofisrael.com — Liveblog - The Times of Israel
- www.middleeasteye.net — The West wants Netanyahu gone - so Palestinians can be killed more quietly again | Middle East Eye
- www.telegraph.co.uk — Palestine (Places) - The Telegraph
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Netanyahu and French President Macron Clash Over Middle East Policy
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich slammed French President Emmanuel Macron over remarks regarding the occupied West Bank delivered during the United Nations General Assembly. Netanyahu labeled the comments grotesque and outrageous after Macron criticized Israeli actions and appeared to downplay Hamas activities in the territory governed by the Palestinian Authority. Separately, Netanyahu criticized diplomats who walked out of his own UN speech as moral cowards. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has openly criticized French President Emmanuel Macron over recent diplomatic remarks amid growing international scrutiny of Israel's military actions and France's stance on the Gaza conflict.
Why it matters
The tensions between Israeli leadership and France highlight deepening rifts between key global leaders on Middle East policy. Emmanuel Macron defended the two-state solution during his appearance, which drew swift condemnation from top Israeli officials. These diplomatic clashes follow intense international focus on the Gaza conflict and regional security matters.
What is confirmed
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich slammed French President Emmanuel Macron over remarks regarding the occupied West Bank delivered during the United Nations General Assembly.
- Netanyahu labeled the comments grotesque and outrageous after Macron criticized Israeli actions and appeared to downplay Hamas activities.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has openly criticized French President Emmanuel Macron over recent diplomatic remarks.
What to watch next
- Further diplomatic statements or retaliatory measures between Israel and France.
- Reactions from other international leaders regarding the United Nations General Assembly speeches.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.jpost.com — Prime minister
- www.dropsitenews.com — Iran pushes 7-day plan to end war; Saudi calls on regional pact for defense; Argentina’s poverty rate c....
- french.almanar.com.lb — ONU : Macron défend la solution à deux Etats. Israël dénonce ...
- www.telegraph.co.uk — Palestinian Territories - The Telegraph
- www.wionews.com — Netanyahu vs Macron: Netanyahu criticises France ... - WION
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Israel Slams Macron Over West Bank Remarks
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich slammed French President Emmanuel Macron over remarks regarding the occupied West Bank delivered during the United Nations General Assembly. Netanyahu labeled the comments grotesque and outrageous after Macron criticized Israeli actions and appeared to downplay Hamas activities in the territory governed by the Palestinian Authority. Separately, Netanyahu criticized diplomats who walked out of his own UN speech as moral cowards.
Why it matters
The diplomatic friction highlights deep international divisions over military operations and settler violence in the West Bank. Macron used his UN address to condemn Israeli conduct and urge a recommitment to international law. In response, Israeli leadership forcefully rejected the foreign criticism while defending military actions.
What is confirmed
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned French President Emmanuel Macron's UN speech remarks regarding the West Bank as grotesque.
- Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich also denounced Macron's comments as outrageous.
- Dozens of global envoys walked out of Netanyahu's UN General Assembly speech, with some jeering and booing.
- Netanyahu labeled the diplomats who walked out of his address as moral cowards.
Still unconfirmed
- A French source claimed that the president's comments regarding Hamas operations in the West Bank were a translation misinterpretation.
What to watch next
- Further diplomatic statements or clarifications from the French government regarding the disputed translation.
- Potential bilateral fallout between Israel and France over the UN General Assembly remarks.
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (13)
- www.ctvnews.ca — Iran downplays U.S. talks, Israel pushes back against France
- www.france24.com — Israel blasts ‘grotesque absurdity’ of Macron’s UN remarks on ...
- www.channelnewsasia.com — Israel denounces 'grotesque absurdity' of Macron UN remarks ...
- www.bbc.co.uk — Netanyahu calls Macron's remarks on West Bank in UN speech 'grotesque' - BBC
- www.jpost.com — Macron's Hamas comments at UN were translation 'misinterpretation,' French source tells 'Post'
- www.euronews.com — Israel denounces 'grotesque absurdity' of French president's remarks on West Bank at UN
- www.bbc.co.uk — Netanyahu defends Israeli military actions in Middle East in UN speech - BBC News
- www.arabnews.com — Arab News | Israel denounces ‘grotesque absurdity’ of Macron UN remarks on West Bank
- www.rte.ie — Israel denounces Macron's UN remarks on West Bank
- thechronicle.com.gh — Netanyahu calls Macron's remarks on West Bank in UN speech 'grotesque' - The Ghanaian Chronicle
- www.yahoo.com — Israel's Netanyahu calls Macron's UN remarks on West Bank ...
- www.channelnewsasia.com — Israel's Netanyahu denounces enemies, allies in fiery UN speech
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Netanyahu labels Macron's UN West Bank remarks 'grotesque'
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described comments made by French President Emmanuel Macron regarding the West Bank as "grotesque". Macron delivered these remarks during his final speech as France's president at the United Nations, where he also condemned Israel's assault on Gaza as a "spectacle that shames us all" and criticized Russia. While Israeli officials expressed anger over an alleged error Macron made regarding Hamas, a French source claims the president's comments on Hamas operations in the West Bank were misinterpreted.
Why it matters
The friction occurs as Macron concludes his tenure as French president. His criticisms target both the Israeli military campaign in Gaza and the diplomatic approach of Donald Trump.
What is confirmed
- Benjamin Netanyahu called Emmanuel Macron's West Bank comments in a UN speech "grotesque".
- Emmanuel Macron criticized Israel and Russia in his final UN speech as France's president.
- Macron described Israel's assault on Gaza as a "spectacle that shames us all".
Still unconfirmed
- Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the removal of unauthorized settler outposts in the West Bank.
- Macron's comments on Hamas operations in the West Bank were misinterpreted.
- Macron denounced Donald Trump's Gaza diplomacy as a spectacle of shame.
What to watch next
- Official French government clarification on the Hamas remarks
- Further diplomatic responses from the Israeli government regarding Macron's UN speech
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (7)
- Reuters — In UN farewell, Macron denounces Trump's Gaza diplomacy as spectacle of shame
- The New York Times — Macron Criticizes Israel and Russia in Final U.N. Speech as France’s President
- The Jerusalem Post — French source: Macron's comments on Hamas's West bank operations misinterpreted
- BBC — Netanyahu calls Macron's West Bank comments in UN speech 'grotesque'
- Le Monde.fr — Macron's error on Hamas during UN speech sparks Israeli anger
- Democracy Now! — “A Spectacle That Shames Us All”: Emmanuel Macron Condemns Israel’s Assault on Gaza
- tucson.com — Sources: Netanyahu orders removal of West Bank settler outposts
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