Mass walkout, protests as Netanyahu addresses UNGA seeking 'peace'
4 Min Read
During his speech, Netanyahu dared to defend his morally depraved army's actions in Lebanon and Gaza, citing that the occupation was "tolerating this intolerable situation for nearly a year."
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Supporters of Palestine march near the United Nations headquarters at a protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the 79th session of the UN General Assembly on September 26, 2024. (AP)
As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approached the platform at the UN General Assembly, member nations organized a mass walkout.
Footage on social media shows a near-empty hall and thousands of protesters marching in New York denouncing the Israeli occupation's crimes in Gaza and Lebanon.
🟡 NOW: UN member states lead a mass walkout as Netanyahu takes the stage at the UN General Assembly. The hall is almost empty now. pic.twitter.com/sr44MuFNz3
— red. (@redstreamnet) September 27, 2024
During his speech, Netanyahu dared to defend his morally depraved army's actions in Lebanon and Gaza, citing that the occupation was "tolerating this intolerable situation for nearly a year."
"Well, I've come here today to say enough is enough," he told the UNGA.
The PM also made ludicrous allegations that "Israel" was "fighting for its life," as many delegations walked out of the room.
Netanyahu, not in possession of a basic mirror, described the enemies of "Israel" as "savage murderers" who were intent on destroying not only the Israeli occupation but "common civilization and return all of us to a dark age of tyranny and terror."
Attempting to blame Iran, he claimed "Israel" was "defending itself" against the Islamic Republic on 7 different fronts, including the Palestinian Resistance Hamas.
He boldly threatened Tehran claiming that there was "no place in Iran that the long arm of Israel cannot reach. And that's true of the entire Middle East. Far from being lambs led to the slaughter, Israel soldiers have fought back with incredible courage."
Netanyahu's lies did not stop there. He also claimed that "Israel" was allegedly winning this 7-front war.
"We'll continue degrading Hezbollah until all our objectives are made," he added.
Tonight in New York.
— Gaza Notifications (@gazanotice) September 27, 2024
Thousands of anti-war protesters gathered at the @WOLPalestine demonstration ahead of Netanyahu’s speech at the UN.
“Arrest Netanyah”
Anti-war activists in NYC are protesting against Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s speech at the UN General Assembly,… pic.twitter.com/uz7R3I8RjA
Netanyahu calls for renewed sanctions on Iran
Netanyahu urged for harsher measures against Iran's nuclear program, including the reinstatement of United Nations sanctions that were removed in 2015 as part of a nuclear deal with major international powers.
Despite a June report by the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) revealing that "Israel" possesses 90 nuclear warheads, he found it appropriate to tell the assembly everything must be done "to ensure that Iran never gets nuclear weapons."
"Iran now seeks to weaponize its nuclear program for the sake of the peace and security of all your countries, and I assure you, Israel will do everything in its power to make sure it doesn't happen."
Regarding the ongoing genocide in Gaza, he claimed the war would end if Hamas completely surrendered, laid down their weapons, and returned all Israeli captives.
"We'll fight until we achieve victory, total victory, there is no substitute for it," he cited.
🚨 BREAKING: Thousands are marching to the UN to denounce the architect of the genocide in Gaza, Benjamin Netanyahu, set to address world leaders on the floor of the UN. The people say: ARREST NETANYAHU FOR CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY! Hands off Lebanon! End the genocide in Gaza!… pic.twitter.com/BvtPxd5nnS
— The People's Forum (@PeoplesForumNYC) September 26, 2024
Thousands marching tonight in NYC shutting down 3rd Ave at the @WOLPalestine action to protest Netanyahu’s scheduled speech at the UN and demand Eric Adams resign as mayor 🇵🇸 pic.twitter.com/OGagPCV5Sq
— Gerard (@GerardDalbon) September 26, 2024
Netanyahu flip-flops on Lebanon ceasefire, now claims to share US aims
In a statement on Thursday night, the Israeli Prime Minister's office said that "Israel shares the aims" of the US-led initiative for a 21-day ceasefire in Lebanon.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s earlier denial of having a private agreement with the US on the ceasefire proposal sparked tensions with the White House, according to Axios. On that note, the statement was released exclusively in English on the Israeli Prime Minister's Office Facebook page, suggesting yet another instance of double-talk by Netanyahu.
It was another example of Netanyahu's back-and-forth in the past 24 hours regarding the Lebanon ceasefire proposal announced on Wednesday, as he distanced himself from the initiative on Thursday morning, bowing to political pressure from his ultranationalist coalition partners despite his involvement in the negotiations.
During a call with reporters, White House spokesperson John Kirby emphasized that the Biden administration wouldn't have put forward the 21-day ceasefire proposal if they hadn't believed the Israeli government was in agreement. This underscores the mounting tensions between the two allies over the evolving situation.
"I don't know why Netanyahu said what he said and I don't know what his considerations were — whether they were political or operational. Ask him why he said that," Kirby said.
