'Sheer madness, we won’t do it’: Netanyahu defies global push for Palestinian statehood at UNGA: Video
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected growing international moves to recognise a Palestinian state in his speech at the United Nations General Assembly.
Netanyahu lashed out at France, Britain, Australia, Canada and other nations, accusing their leaders of rewarding terrorism and ignoring what he described as overwhelming Palestinian support for the deadly assault that killed more than 1,200 Israelis and saw hundreds taken hostage.
“This week, the leaders of France, Britain, Australia, Canada, and other countries unconditionally recognised a Palestinian state. They did so after the horrors committed by Hamas on October 7, horrors praised on that day by nearly 90 percent of the Palestinian population. Nearly 90% supported the attack. They celebrated it. They danced on rooftops. They threw candies in Gaza and in Judea, Samaria, the West Bank, as you call it. Just like they celebrated 9/11,” Netanyahu said.
He warned that granting Palestinians a state after such attacks would be akin to giving al-Qaeda a country near New York City after the September 11 attacks.
“Giving the Palestinians a state one mile from Jerusalem after October 7 is like giving al-Qaeda a state one mile from New York City after September 11,” Netanyahu declared. “This is sheer madness. It’s insane. And we won’t do it,” he emphasised.
Adding that, “Israel will not allow you to shove a terrorist state down our throats,” he said. “We will not commit national suicide because you don’t have the guts to face down a hostile media and anti-Semitic mobs demanding Israel’s blood.”
Earlier, dozens of leaders and diplomats staged a walkout before Netanyahu began to deliver his speech.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
