The chasm between Israel and much of the world was on full display during Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech at the United Nations. A mass walkout by over 100 diplomats served as a powerful symbol of the deepening divide over the war in Gaza and the future of the Palestinian people.
Netanyahu’s message only reinforced this division. He furiously denounced the growing movement to recognize a Palestinian state, calling it an “insane” reward for terrorism. His words were a direct challenge to recent policy shifts by close allies like the United Kingdom, France, and Canada.
The Israeli leader also committed to escalating the military campaign in Gaza, stating his intention to target the “final remnants of Hamas” in Gaza City. This promise to “finish the job” came without any acknowledgment of the international community’s pleas to protect civilians and alleviate the humanitarian crisis.
In a speech marked by props and bold claims, Netanyahu used a QR code to show videos of the October 7 attacks and asserted his speech was being broadcast on hijacked phones in Gaza. These tactics, combined with his uncompromising stance, suggest a strategy of shaping a narrative of defiance against a world he portrays as hostile.
