Facing a mass walkout and mounting diplomatic pressure, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday vowed to “finish the job,” defying growing international isolation over Israel’s military campaign in the Gaza Strip.
Netanyahu addressed a half-empty hall at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he was met with both jeers and applause.
He directed much of his message to Israeli hostages still held in Gaza, Hamas fighters confronting his troops, and world leaders who in recent days have recognized Palestine as a state.
The prime minister reserved praise for United States President, Donald Trump, who moments after Netanyahu’s speech told reporters: “I think we have maybe a deal on Gaza.”
Trump, who is scheduled to meet with Netanyahu next week, declined to share further details, noting that past negotiations have often collapsed.
The U.S. has continued to back Israel, even as a growing number of countries condemn its offensive in Gaza.
Netanyahu branded the recognition of a Palestinian state by several governments as “shameful” and promised to press ahead with military operations.
“The final remnants of Hamas are holed up in Gaza City,” Netanyahu said, describing Israel’s ground offensive in the famine-hit enclave. “They vow to repeat the atrocities of Oct. 7 again and again and again. This is why Israel must finish the job.”
He stressed that “Western leaders may have buckled under the pressure,” but vowed that “Israel won’t.”
Dozens of delegates staged a walkout as Netanyahu approached the podium.
The prime minister said his remarks were being broadcast across Israel’s border with Gaza in hopes of reaching hostages and claimed the speech was also carried on the cellphones of Palestinians after Israel’s intelligence services took over the networks.
“We have not forgotten you, not even for a second. The people of Israel are with you,” he said, addressing the hostages. Their families have protested against him in recent weeks, accusing Netanyahu of jeopardizing their lives by rejecting peace proposals.
Turning to Hamas fighters, he declared: “Lay down your arms. Let my people go. If you do, you will live. If you don’t, Israel will hunt you down.”
He also denounced the countries recognizing Palestine, calling their actions a “disgraceful decision” that would “encourage terrorism against Jews and against innocent people everywhere.”
“It will be a mark of shame on all of you,” he warned.
Israel faces genocide allegations at the International Court of Justice, further deepening its global isolation.
Netanyahu even took an unusual flight path to New York, reportedly to avoid countries that could enforce an international arrest warrant against him for alleged war crimes in Gaza.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces have intensified their assault on Gaza City, displacing hundreds of thousands of residents while others remain trapped under daily bombardments.
In response, France, the United Kingdom, and others have officially recognized Palestine as a state, a move that prompted Trump to issue a sharp warning.
“I will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank. No, I will not allow it. It’s not going to happen,” Trump said Thursday. “There’s been enough. It’s time to stop now.”
He added that whether or not he had directly spoken to Netanyahu, “Whether I spoke to him or not, I did, but I’m not allowing Israel to annex the West Bank.”
Trump issued the rare rebuke as far-right members of Netanyahu’s coalition pressed for annexation. Palestinians consider the West Bank, alongside Gaza and east Jerusalem, as vital territory for a future state, one that would be irreparably threatened by such a move.
The former president also unveiled a 21-point peace plan to Arab leaders, with his envoy Steve Witkoff calling the meeting “productive” and suggesting that a breakthrough could soon emerge.
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair is reportedly seeking a senior role in administering postwar Gaza under the proposed peace framework, though his office has not commented.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, barred from entering the U.S. after Washington revoked his visa last month, delivered his U.N. address by video.
In his remarks, Abbas said Palestinians in Gaza “have been facing a war of genocide, destruction, starvation and displacement” by Israel.
While condemning Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack, he stressed that the group would have “no role to play in governance” in the future he envisions for Gaza.
As pressure mounts from world leaders and the families of hostages, Netanyahu continues to resist calls to halt the war, insisting Israel must complete its campaign in Gaza.
