Netanyahu Calls Palestinian State a ‘National Suicide’ for Israel
At UN, Netanyahu denies Gaza genocide claims, vows support for hostages, as delegations walk out during his fiery speech.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a fiery and emotional speech at the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday, September 26, 2025, where he forcefully rejected the idea of a Palestinian state. His remarks drew both sharp applause from allies and visible anger from critics, with several delegations walking out during his address.
Standing at the podium in front of world leaders, Netanyahu said granting Palestinians statehood would be nothing short of “national suicide” for Israel. He accused European nations of rewarding Hamas after the October 7 attacks last year, and insisted that any attempt to legitimize a Palestinian state would only embolden what he described as “terrorist groups committed to Israel’s destruction.”
“We will not let this happen,” he declared in a stern voice, his words carrying the cadence of defiance.
The Israeli leader also struck a deeply personal tone as he turned his attention to the families of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza nearly a year after Hamas’s surprise assault. Speaking directly into the camera, he said, “We have not forgotten you — not even for a second.” According to his office, portions of the speech were broadcast through Israeli military loudspeakers into Gaza itself, meant as a message of resilience and reassurance.
Netanyahu’s remarks came against the backdrop of ongoing U.S.-brokered ceasefire negotiations. Only hours earlier, President Donald Trump suggested that he believed a breakthrough was imminent and that a deal to halt fighting was close at hand. Yet Netanyahu flatly rejected the idea of pausing military operations, vowing instead to “finish the job” against Hamas.
“Hamas will not survive,” he said. This war will end only when Israel’s citizens can live in true security.”
The speech drew a mixed reaction inside the General Assembly hall. While a number of delegations walked out in protest — among them several Arab and European representatives — others remained seated and listened quietly. U.S. delegates stayed throughout the address, though they did not applaud at the same moments as Israeli officials in the gallery.
Outside the UN building, pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered in large numbers, separated by barricades and heavy police presence. Supporters of Netanyahu cheered his vow to resist pressure from abroad, while Palestinian activists accused him of inflaming tensions and prolonging the suffering in Gaza.
The timing of Netanyahu’s speech was especially significant. This was his first UN address since the Gaza war entered its second year, and it highlighted the stark divide between Israel’s determination to continue its military campaign and international calls for an immediate ceasefire. Human rights organizations have accused Israel of committing atrocities in Gaza, charges Netanyahu categorically denied during his remarks.
“The real crime is to allow Hamas to continue using civilians as shields while plotting massacres against Israelis.”
Despite the sharp rhetoric, Netanyahu ended on a note meant to rally his nation and project unity. “Israel will stand tall, Israel will not bow, and Israel will prevail,” he concluded, before leaving the stage to a wave of applause from his delegation.
As world leaders digested his words, one reality was clear: Netanyahu’s defiance has set the stage for more confrontation — both at home and abroad. Whether Trump’s confidence in a ceasefire deal proves accurate, or whether Netanyahu’s hardline stance carries the day, the path forward remains as uncertain as ever.