WATCH: Defending Israel's Truth
Headed to the UN, Netanyahu Gave the World a Warning: It’s About More Than Just Peace
Netanyahu heads to US with strong message against Palestinian statehood, plans meetings with UN Assembly and President Trump amid growing international pressure on Israel.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu departed for a critical visit to the United States today, where he is set to deliver a defiant message to the international community and hold a high-stakes meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Speaking at Ben Gurion Airport before his departure, Netanyahu declared his mission to be one of speaking "our truth, the truth of the citizens of Israel, the truth of the IDF soldiers, of our country." His remarks were aimed at a world increasingly critical of Israel's military actions and pushing for the recognition of a Palestinian state.
"I will condemn those leaders who, instead of condemning the murderers, rapists, and child burners, want to give them a state in the heart of the Land of Israel," Netanyahu stated. "That will not happen."
The prime minister's trip comes amid a mounting diplomatic challenge for Israel. Several Western nations, including the United Kingdom, Canada, and France, have recently recognized a Palestinian state, a move Netanyahu has decried as a "reward for terrorism." His address at the United Nations General Assembly is expected to be a forceful rejection of this global trend.
Following his UN appearance, Netanyahu will travel to Washington for his fourth meeting with President Trump since the latter's return to office. The two leaders are expected to discuss "the great opportunities our victories have brought" and the need to complete the war's objectives.
Netanyahu outlined these goals as the return of all Israeli hostages, the defeat of Hamas, and the expansion of a "circle of peace" that he says is opening up following recent military successes. His visit takes place as the Trump administration has reportedly presented a new 21-point peace plan to Arab leaders, signaling a renewed diplomatic push to resolve the conflict.
The prime minister's departure was met with protests at Ben Gurion Airport, where demonstrators called for the immediate return of the remaining hostages. Despite the domestic pressure, Netanyahu concluded his statement with a message to the Israeli people and the Jewish diaspora: "A year of security, prosperity, and peace."