Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the United Nations General Assembly on September 25, delivering a combative speech in which he rejected international criticism of Israel's military campaign in Gaza. Netanyahu called allegations of genocide 'the biggest lie,' directly challenging the framing used by a number of governments and international bodies that have scrutinized Israel's conduct during the conflict.
As Netanyahu spoke, delegations from multiple countries walked out of the General Assembly hall in protest, a demonstration that drew significant attention from media across the political spectrum. The walkouts underscored the deep divisions within the international community over the Gaza conflict, now well into its second year.
Outside UN headquarters in New York, large crowds gathered to protest Netanyahu's appearance. Demonstrations turned confrontational in places, with New York City police detaining a number of protesters. Among those taken into custody was actress Susan Sarandon, according to multiple reports. Actor Elliot Page was also reported to be among the celebrities participating in the protests.
Netanyahu's visit to New York drew heightened security and logistical scrutiny, given the International Criminal Court's earlier moves regarding Israeli officials. His speech reiterated Israel's position that its military operations in Gaza are acts of lawful self-defense following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks, and he criticized what he described as a campaign of delegitimization against the state of Israel at the United Nations.
The speech and surrounding events generated sharply different coverage depending on the outlet. Left-leaning media focused heavily on the walkouts and the substance of genocide allegations, while right-leaning outlets emphasized the protests and arrests of celebrity demonstrators, as well as what they framed as antisemitic elements within the protest movement.
Left-Leaning Emphasis
- NPR and The Guardian gave prominent focus to the walkouts by delegations, framing them as a significant diplomatic rebuke of Netanyahu.
- The Guardian's coverage emphasized Netanyahu 'lambasting' critics, foregrounding international opposition to Israeli policy.
- PBS NewsHour centered its framing on the genocide allegations themselves, presenting Netanyahu's denial as a direct response to a serious and ongoing international debate.
Right-Leaning Emphasis
- Breitbart focused its coverage on the celebrity protesters and the detention of Susan Sarandon, highlighting the entertainment figures involved.
- Fox News framed the New York protests in the context of antisemitism, with its newsletter coverage emphasizing what it described as hostility toward Jewish people within the protest movement.
- Right-leaning outlets treated the celebrity arrests as the most newsworthy element of the day's events surrounding the UN speech.