Netanyahu to Deliver Defiant UN Speech Amid Tensions Over West Bank Policies
Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu is anticipated to deliver a resolute message at the UN General Assembly on Friday, reiterating his rejection of Palestinian statehood. However, he faces unexpected criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, who is pressing for a resolution in Gaza.
Netanyahu’s address follows recent decisions by France, the U.K., and other Western nations to recognize Palestinian statehood, driven by frustration over Israel’s prolonged military campaign in Gaza.
Israel’s longest-serving prime minister has consistently opposed Palestinian sovereignty, while his political allies have suggested annexing the West Bank, effectively eliminating the possibility of an independent Palestine. But Trump, usually a strong supporter of Netanyahu, has cautioned against annexation as he promotes a proposed Gaza agreement that includes disarming Hamas.
“I will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank,” Trump stated at the White House. “No, I will not allow it. It’s not going to happen.”
The two leaders spoke by phone on Thursday ahead of Netanyahu’s expected visit to Washington next week.
Amid an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court over accusations of war crimes—including allegations of using starvation as a weapon—Netanyahu took an unconventional flight path to New York, crossing the Strait of Gibraltar.
Reports noted that Steve Witkoff, a former real-estate associate of Trump now involved in international negotiations, was seen entering the high-security Manhattan hotel where Netanyahu is staying. Outside, roughly 20 protesters and a similar number of supporters gathered.
Demonstrators plan to march from Times Square on Friday, coinciding with Netanyahu’s speech, demanding his arrest.
In related developments:
- A proposal backed by the White House suggests former British Prime Minister Tony Blair could lead an interim governing body for Gaza, initially excluding the Palestinian Authority. According to reports, this entity, called the Gaza International Transitional Authority (GITA), would serve as Gaza’s primary administrative and legal authority for up to five years.
- Research indicates that civilians in Gaza have suffered injuries typically seen in military combat zones. A study in a leading medical journal found that certain wounds, including burns and leg injuries, were more frequent among Gazans than among U.S. soldiers in recent conflicts like Iraq and Afghanistan.
- The European Broadcasting Union has announced an online vote in November that could exclude Israel’s Kan broadcaster from next year’s Eurovision Song Contest. A letter sent to participating networks confirmed the pending decision.
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