Key facts
- Benjamin Netanyahu will deliver a speech at the UN on Thursday.
- Netanyahu faces protests and international condemnation, with growing isolation.
- Israel faces criticism over ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran.
- The UK, France, and Canada plan to sanction Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
- A significant portion of Americans and American Jews hold negative views of Netanyahu's government.
- Protests are scheduled in New York City and at the UN.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to deliver a speech at the United Nations on Thursday, facing a backdrop of protests, international condemnation, and growing political isolation. Despite these challenges, Netanyahu is expected to convey a message of defiance.
Netanyahu is navigating his toughest re-election challenge amidst ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran, alongside a surge in violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank. Internationally, Israel is facing increased criticism, with the UK, France, and Canada reportedly planning sanctions against West Bank settlements. British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has accused Israeli settlers of ethnic cleansing.
Public opinion in the US has also shifted, with a July Pew poll indicating 62% of respondents held a negative view of Netanyahu's government. A recent poll showed 60% of American Jews hope he is voted out in the upcoming October elections. Protests are anticipated both inside the UN General Assembly hall and on the streets of New York City.
Danny Danon, Israel's ambassador to the UN, defended the government's record, attributing criticism to misinformation and bias. He stated that Israel has achieved a lot despite being under scrutiny and that efforts will be made to improve Israel's image, acknowledging a campaign against the country.
Protests organized in New York City aim to reject Netanyahu and what organizers describe as the "genocidal Zionist project." Beth Miller, political director of Jewish Voice for Peace Action, stated that Netanyahu is not welcome in New York and that American public opinion is increasingly against supporting Israel's actions. Palestinian representatives are calling for a diplomatic walkout during Netanyahu's speech to signal non-complicity in alleged genocide, war crimes, and occupation.
Danon, however, framed Israel's challenges as primarily a public relations issue, citing a "wave of misinformation." He indicated Netanyahu's speech would highlight Israel's achievements and outline future goals for the war. The White House and US policymakers are expected to monitor the speech as they consider their messaging ahead of the midterm elections.
Netanyahu's hardline message is also intended for his domestic Israeli electorate. Miller suggested this is an attempt to demonstrate control and appeal to a right-wing and Trump-aligned audience. However, Donald Trump and top US officials are not expected to meet with Netanyahu, who plans a short visit due to Israel's electoral campaign and the Sukkot holiday. A Trump administration official confirmed that Netanyahu's delegation had sought a high-level meeting, but none was arranged. There are also no plans for meetings with congressional leaders.
Criticism of Israel is emerging from prominent Republicans and Democratic presidential contenders, potentially impacting future US support for arms sales and diplomatic backing. Miller noted divisions within the Trump-MAGA base regarding tax dollars supporting the Israeli government. Danon expressed confidence in continued US support based on shared values.
Multiple flashpoints are contributing to anger from both US political parties and the international community, including humanitarian concerns in Gaza, settlement expansion in the West Bank, and ongoing conflicts in Lebanon and Iran, which have impacted global energy prices. Regarding a $2.8 billion arms sale, Danon expressed hope for Hamas's disarmament without further Israeli military intervention but stated Israel would act independently if necessary. He also affirmed Israel's resolve on the West Bank, unaffected by UK criticism over settlement plans.
Senate Democrats are proposing legislation to sanction facilitators of new settlements, with Senator Chris Coons emphasizing the need for the US to send a strong message against such behavior. Protests against Netanyahu began even before his arrival, with the Democratic Socialists of America demonstrating at JFK airport against weapons shipments to the Israeli military. Aber Kawas, a Palestinian-American elected official-elect, plans to join protests, stating thousands oppose Netanyahu's presence in the city and view him as the architect of genocide.