Netanyahu Vows to “Finish the Job” in Gaza in Defiant UN Speech

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered one of the most fiery addresses of this year’s United Nations General Assembly, declaring that Israel “must finish the job” in Gaza. His speech, delivered in New York on September 26, 2025, drew both fierce applause from allies and visible outrage from critics, marking another dramatic moment in Israel’s war narrative.

A Defiant Message at the UN

Speaking from the podium before world leaders, Netanyahu doubled down on Israel’s military objectives, vowing that the campaign against Hamas would not stop until “the job is done.” He insisted that the last strongholds of Hamas are collapsing inside Gaza City, and warned that any international recognition of Palestinian statehood would amount to “rewarding terrorism.”

Throughout his remarks, Netanyahu rejected accusations of war crimes and genocide, framing Israel as a victim of “unrelenting terror” and positioning the Gaza offensive as a matter of national survival. His uncompromising tone was designed to show strength but also highlighted Israel’s deepening diplomatic isolation.

Mass Walkouts and Global Protests

While Netanyahu spoke, more than 100 diplomats from over 50 nations staged a walkout in protest. Delegations from European, Asian, and Arab countries left the hall in silence, underscoring growing global frustration with Israel’s war strategy.

Beyond the UN headquarters, thousands of demonstrators flooded New York streets, including a large rally in Times Square. Protesters waved Palestinian flags, chanted for a ceasefire, and accused Netanyahu of dismissing the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza.

The timing of the speech was particularly sensitive, coming as the death toll in Gaza continues to rise and humanitarian agencies warn of famine, mass displacement, and collapsing infrastructure.

Clash Over Palestinian Statehood

Netanyahu directly addressed the wave of countries—among them the UK, France, and Canada—that have recently recognized a Palestinian state. He denounced these moves as “a prize for Hamas’s brutality” and warned they would only encourage further attacks on Israel.

However, for many nations, recognition of Palestinian statehood has become a diplomatic tool to pressure Israel toward negotiation and accountability. The UN stage made clear that the gap between Israel and much of the world is widening, not narrowing.

The Bigger Picture

The Prime Minister’s speech comes amid intense legal and political scrutiny. The International Criminal Court is weighing possible war crimes charges, while international organizations call for sanctions and arms embargoes. The U.S. remains Israel’s closest ally but is also facing domestic pressure to limit military support.

For Netanyahu, the UN speech was both a message to the world and a rallying cry for Israelis at home. His repeated insistence on “finishing the job” underscores his belief that Israel’s security depends on eliminating Hamas entirely, regardless of mounting international criticism.

Conclusion

Netanyahu’s UN address revealed the stark divide between Israel’s determination to press forward in Gaza and the international community’s urgent calls for restraint. Whether his words will harden Israel’s isolation or strengthen its resolve remains to be seen—but one thing is certain: the phrase “finish the job” has now become the defining slogan of Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza.

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