Netanyahu takes UN stage with one eye on Israel’s election

Live updates

1. 2h ago

   Netanyahu Addresses UN General Assembly Amid Protests and Walkouts

   Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the United Nations General Assembly on Saturday, delivering a high-stakes speech that included pointed criticism of New York Mayor Mamdani and a dismissal of Gaza genocide allegations. Dozens of U.N. delegates walked out during his remarks. Outside the venue, large demonstrations drew elected officials and celebrities, including Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder, resulting in multiple arrests for blocked traffic. Iran nuclear threats and rising oil prices formed part of the backdrop for the events in New York.

   Why it matters

   The address takes place while Netanyahu keeps one eye on upcoming Israeli elections, leading analysts to view his fiery rhetorical approach as targeted toward domestic voters and President Trump. Protests near the United Nations headquarters highlighted deep divisions surrounding Israeli policies and leadership. Simultaneously, international attention at the global summit has focused on middle powers and shifting diplomatic stances.

   What is confirmed

   • Benjamin Netanyahu delivered an address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
   • Dozens of U.N. delegates walked out during the speech while Netanyahu dismissed allegations of genocide in Gaza.
   • Elected officials and celebrities, including Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder, were taken into custody during anti-Netanyahu protests near the U.N.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Netanyahu's fiery rhetoric was primarily aimed at securing his own political survival among Israeli voters and President Trump.

   What to watch next

   • Reactions from Israeli voters and political opponents following the UN address
   • Further developments regarding the legal status of individuals arrested during the New York protests
   Sources used for this update (14)

   1. Fox News — Netanyahu teases 'surprises' for UN address as Iran nuclear threats push oil prices up
   2. Al Jazeera — Netanyahu takes UN stage with one eye on Israel’s election
   3. ABC7 New York — Protests underway ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's UN General Assembly address
   4. gothamist.com — Mamdani allies arrested blocking traffic ahead of Netanyahu's speech at the UN
   5. The Hill — Avila Chevalier arrested at anti-Netanyahu protest in New York
   6. The New York Times — Live Updates: Netanyahu Addresses U.N. General Assembly in High-Stakes Speech
   7. Time Magazine — Netanyahu Dismisses Gaza Genocide Allegations as Dozens of U.N. Delegates Walk Out
   8. PIX11 — Elected officials, celebrities taken into custody during protest near UN
   9. ca.rollingstone.com — On the Ground, Literally, With the Celebrities Who Were Arrested Protesting Netanyahu
   10. www.cbsnews.com — Netanyahu lashed Mamdani in fiery U.N. speech, but real aim was his own political survival, analyst says
   11. jen.jiji.com — Four airlines offer flexible travel options as Bangkok flooding disrupts journeys
   12. jen.jiji.com — Flooding persists in 21 provinces affecting more than 84,000 people
   confidence 100%