Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a defiant, campaign-focused address to the UN defending Israel’s military actions, as several delegations walked out in protest. He attacked New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Western European governments, Qatar and Turkey, while portraying Israel as fighting a multi-front struggle for national survival amid increasing international isolation.

Netanyahu’s 40-minute speech came less than five weeks before Israel’s election and was broadcast during prime time across the country’s major television networks. He displayed a pager linked to covert operations against Hezbollah and a Starlink receiver aimed at Iran’s delegation; outside the UN, hundreds protested Israel’s actions and police arrested dozens. His visit did not include a meeting with US President Donald Trump, despite Netanyahu’s praise for him.