Netanyahu slams France and Britain for labeling Israel a colonial power at UN
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced France and the United Kingdom at the UN, accusing them of hypocrisy for calling Israel a colonial state.
At a United Nations General Assembly meeting, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched a tirade against France and the United Kingdom, claiming they are hypocritical for accusing Israel of colonialism after having built worldwide empires. He highlighted Israel’s destruction of Iranian nuclear installations, arguing the strike saved lives, and asserted that Israel protects many nations whose representatives were present.
Netanyahu urged any remaining “cowards” in the chamber to leave, prompting dozens of delegates to exit. The speech also referenced ongoing criticism of Israel’s settlement policy and the broader debate over colonial legacies. His remarks came amid other UN discussions, including Guyana’s appeal to Venezuela over the Essequibo dispute and a coalition of 80 states calling for restored navigation rights in the Gulf.
Why it matters
The speech underscores rising diplomatic tension over Israel's settlement policies and challenges to Western criticism of colonialism.
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