Netanyahu’s UN belligerence wins cheers at home as world walks out
Israeli PM's defiant UN speech alienated critics abroad but delighted his base as elections draw near.
In his speech at the United Nations on Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended his country’s genocide in Gaza and its repeated attacks on its neighbours.
Delegates from dozens of countries walked out of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) hall before he spoke, highlighting Israel’s isolation from the rest of the world.
But Netanyahu was appealing to a domestic audience with his speech, a month ahead of critical parliamentary elections that may force him out of office. It was what many Israelis – angry at criticism of their country – want to hear.
“Netanyahu’s speech was meant to boost his election campaign back at home,” Ahron Bregman, an Israeli security analyst and senior teaching fellow at King’s College London, said. “His supporters loved it. Those who don’t support him could see in his speech the classic Netanyahu – brilliant orator but a serial liar.”