Benjamin Netanyahu’s appearance at the UN General Assembly did not just highlight Israel’s isolation; it exposed the deep fissures within the international community itself. The mass walkout of over 100 diplomats stood in contrast to the junior-level delegations of allies like the US and UK who remained.
Netanyahu’s speech actively widened these cracks. He lashed out at the 157 nations recognizing Palestine, calling their decision “horribly wrong” and “insane.” This directly pitted him against a growing global majority that sees statehood as a necessary step towards peace.
He further solidified his position by vowing to “finish the job” in Gaza, a stance that puts him at odds with international humanitarian law and the pleas of countless NGOs and world leaders. His denial of genocide charges did little to bridge this divide.
The event, culminating in street protests and competing diplomatic statements, revealed a world deeply divided on one of its most intractable conflicts, with Netanyahu’s leadership serving as a catalyst for greater polarization.