Notably absent from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s fiery UN speech was any mention of annexing the West Bank. The omission came just a day after President Donald Trump publicly stated he would “not allow” such a move, a significant statement from a key right-wing ally.
Instead of addressing the controversial plan favored by his coalition partners, Netanyahu focused his address on two other fronts: the war in Gaza and the diplomatic battle over Palestinian statehood. He vowed to “finish the job” against Hamas and condemned the 157 nations that recognize Palestine as “insane.”
This selective focus suggests a calculated decision to avoid a direct confrontation with Trump ahead of a scheduled meeting at the White House. While he was willing to clash with the broader international community, including allies like the UK and France, he sidestepped a fight with a powerful figure in American politics.
The speech was still met with a mass walkout by over 100 diplomats, indicating that his positions on Gaza and Palestinian sovereignty are already deeply alienating. The question of annexation, however, remains a looming issue that will likely be addressed behind closed doors.