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Netanyahu Tells UN Israel “Prevented Genocide,” Defends Strikes on Iran Nuclear Sites

Courtroom-sketch editorial illustration of the United Nations General Assembly Hall in New York seen from behind rows of seated delegates, with a speaker at the green marble rostrum beneath the presiding officers' dais and the tall gold wall; archival 1982 session context, not a depiction of Netanyahu's September 2026 address, rendered in warm ochre and slate-blue pastel strokes.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the UN General Assembly on September 24 that “Israel didn't commit genocide. Israel prevented genocide,” pointing to a million polio vaccinations given to “the enemy's population” and the calls, text messages and leaflets Israel uses to warn Palestinians before attacks. As several delegates walked out when he took the stage, he said any other “moral cowards” should leave too. He called devastating Iran's nuclear facilities “one of the easiest decisions” he made, “because if we hadn't done it, we would all be dead now.” He said Israel has had “no greater partner than President Trump” and accused Türkiye of hosting Hamas.

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