'One of the Easiest Decisions': Benjamin Netanyahu on Israel’s Attack on Iran at UN (Video)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended Israel’s military action against Iran during his address to the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, saying the decision to attack Iranian nuclear facilities was “one of the easiest decisions” he had made as prime minister. He argued that Israel acted to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and framed the strikes as a matter of national and wider international security.

Netanyahu's speech at the 81st UN General Assembly in New York came amid international criticism of Israel's military campaign in Gaza and the ongoing conflict involving Iran. Several delegations walked out of the General Assembly hall as Netanyahu took the podium. He criticised those who left, calling them “moral cowards.” End of Regime in Iran is Near; It is Fighting for Existence: Netanyahu.

Netanyahu Defends Decision to Attack Iran

Netanyahu said destroying Iran's nuclear facilities was difficult militarily but argued that making the decision itself was straightforward. “Devastating Iran’s nuclear facilities was hard. It was very hard to do. But for me, it was one of the easiest decisions I’ve ever had to make as Prime Minister,” he said, according to the UN's published record of the speech.

He added that Israel would have faced a much greater threat if it had not acted, saying, “Because if we hadn’t done it, we’d all be dead.” Netanyahu also argued that Israel's military campaign had implications beyond its own security, claiming that Israel was also protecting other countries from the Iranian nuclear threat.

'One of the Easiest Decisions'

Delegates Walk Out During Netanyahu's UN Speech

Netanyahu's address was marked by a significant walkout. Dozens of delegates left the chamber as he began speaking, in a visible protest against Israel's policies and military actions. Netanyahu responded by challenging those who remained in the hall to leave as well, accusing the departing delegates of failing to confront what he described as threats posed by Iran. The walkout highlighted the deep divisions surrounding Israel's conduct of the war in Gaza and its military confrontation with Iran. Netanyahu Warns Hamas over Gaza Launches as Group Accuses Israel of Escalation.

Netanyahu Rejects Gaza Genocide Allegations

The Israeli prime minister also used his UN address to reject allegations that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza. Netanyahu described the accusations as “the biggest lie of the century” and defended Israel's military campaign against Hamas. Israel has repeatedly rejected genocide allegations and says its operations are directed at Hamas rather than the Palestinian population.

The Gaza war began after the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel, which killed about 1,200 people and resulted in 251 people being taken hostage, according to Israeli figures cited by Reuters. Israel subsequently launched its military campaign in Gaza.

Netanyahu Takes Aim at New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani

Netanyahu also directly criticised New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has been outspoken in his opposition to Israel's actions in Gaza. The Israeli prime minister accused Mamdani of supporting Hamas and criticised his descriptions of Israel's military conduct. Mamdani has rejected the accusation of supporting Hamas and has criticised Netanyahu's policies. The UN appearance was Netanyahu's first visit to New York since Mamdani became mayor in January, adding another layer to the political tensions surrounding the speech.

Iran Conflict Remains Central to UN Debate

Netanyahu's remarks came as the Iran conflict remained one of the central issues at this year's UN General Assembly. US President Donald Trump had also used his UN address to defend the US decision to launch military action against Iran while maintaining that negotiations could still produce a settlement.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, meanwhile, said Tehran does not seek nuclear weapons but would not accept restrictions on what it describes as its peaceful nuclear programme. Against that backdrop, Netanyahu presented Israel's attack on Iran's nuclear facilities as a necessary security measure and said Israel would continue to defend itself against threats from Iran and its regional allies.

Netanyahu Says Israel Will Continue Fighting

Toward the end of his address, Netanyahu maintained that Israel would continue its military campaign despite international criticism. His speech brought together several of Israel's key arguments over the Iran conflict, Gaza war and confrontation with Hamas and Hezbollah, while also directly addressing some of Israel's most prominent international critics. The address reflected the widening diplomatic divisions over the Middle East conflicts as world leaders gathered in New York for the 81st UN General Assembly.