In the US, Netanyahu responded to critics more than he spoke about diplomacy — Jerusalem Post

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during his speech at the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York, United States, defended his country’s position and responded to its critics, devoting relatively little attention to specific diplomatic initiatives. This assessment was expressed by the author of a Jerusalem Post commentary.

According to the author, Netanyahu demonstrated confidence, a strong command of English, and an ability to use historical arguments and personal stories. The author also suggested that some Israelis who do not plan to vote for the prime minister may have positively assessed his defense of the country on the international stage.

Biblical references and diplomacy

Netanyahu referred to biblical imagery. In particular, as the author notes, he told the Syrian president that Jews have been on the Golan “since the time of Moses.” The author called this approach “biblical diplomacy,” believing that such references may be understandable to a Christian audience and important to Jewish listeners.

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The commentary notes that in previous speeches, Netanyahu spoke more specifically about peace prospects. In 2024, he described the possibilities of an agreement with Saudi Arabia, particularly in trade and regional infrastructure. Last year, the prime minister spoke about negotiations with Syria, invited Lebanon to direct contacts, and mentioned opportunities to expand the Abraham Accords.

A request for a conversation with Israelis

This time, in the author’s opinion, it was clearer from the speech whom Netanyahu was disputing with than what diplomatic arrangements he sought to achieve. After three years of war, Israelis, according to the commentator, expect an explanation of the country’s further direction and of the opportunities created by military achievements.

In his speech, Netanyahu described Israel as a society united by a shared future despite political, age, and religious differences. The author urged the prime minister to explain his own plans to Israeli society in greater detail and to answer the questions of people who disagree with him.