Israel’s Netanyahu defends Iran war, rails against critics in combative UN speech

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the Iran war and railed against Israel’s critics in a UN General Assembly speech Thursday that showcased the country’s growing isolation.

Hundreds of diplomats filed out as Netanyahu approached the lectern from where leaders of France, Brazil, and the UK assailed Israel this week.

Facing an uphill re-election, Netanyahu’s talking points were tailored to an Israeli audience “for his political survival,” an Atlantic Council expert said. The “campaign speech” may have worked had Netanyahu managed to secure meetings with major world leaders, including the US president, Israel’s former US ambassador said.

Netanyahu also neglected to reach out to Abraham Accords partners, an expert noted, instead using the platform to criticize New York City’s mayor.