On Thursday, September 25, 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu touched down in New York City, marking the beginning of a high-stakes diplomatic visit centered around his participation in the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. This annual gathering, held at the UN headquarters in Manhattan, brings together world leaders to discuss pressing global issues, from climate change and economic inequality to international security and human rights. Netanyahu's presence at this forum is particularly noteworthy given the escalating conflicts in the Middle East, especially the protracted war in Gaza, which has drawn widespread international scrutiny and condemnation. His address to the assembly, scheduled for Friday, September 26, 2025, is anticipated to be a platform for articulating Israel's position on regional security, defending its military actions, and potentially outlining pathways toward peace or escalation, depending on the evolving dynamics.
Upon his arrival, Netanyahu wasted no time in engaging in critical bilateral discussions. He hosted US envoy Steve Witkoff at his private residence in New York. Witkoff, a prominent real estate developer and close associate of former and current US President Donald Trump, has been instrumental in various diplomatic initiatives, leveraging his business acumen and personal connections to bridge gaps in international relations. The meeting, as reported by Israeli Channel 12, delved deeply into a proposed US plan aimed at halting the ongoing war in Gaza. This plan, shrouded in some secrecy but increasingly discussed in diplomatic circles, seeks to address the multifaceted crisis that has engulfed the region since October 2023. The discussions also encompassed the latest political developments, including shifts in US foreign policy under the Trump administration, which has taken a decidedly pro-Israel stance, echoing the policies of Trump's first term from 2017 to 2021.
Adding layers of intrigue and influence to the meeting were two key figures: Jared Kushner and Ron Dermer. Kushner, the son-in-law of President Trump, is no stranger to Middle East diplomacy. During Trump's first presidency, Kushner played a central role in crafting the Abraham Accords, a series of normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco. These accords represented a significant realignment in regional alliances, bypassing the traditional Palestinian-Israeli conflict resolution framework and focusing instead on economic cooperation and mutual security interests against shared threats like Iran. Kushner's involvement in the current talks underscores the continuity of Trump's approach to peace-making, which prioritizes deal-making over multilateral negotiations.
Ron Dermer, Israel's Minister of Strategic Affairs, brings his own wealth of experience to the table. A former Israeli ambassador to the United States, Dermer has been a steadfast advocate for strong US-Israel ties and has often served as a conduit between Netanyahu and American leaders. His presence in the meeting highlights Israel's strategic calculus in navigating the complex web of international alliances and pressures.
According to unnamed diplomatic sources cited by Israeli Channel 12, Witkoff and Kushner had recently provided Israel with a briefing on President Trump's comprehensive 21-point peace plan designed to end the Gaza war. This plan, while not publicly detailed in full, is believed to include elements such as cease-fire mechanisms, reconstruction aid for Gaza, security guarantees for Israel, and possibly incentives for Palestinian factions to disarm and engage in governance reforms. However, Netanyahu and Dermer reportedly voiced objections to certain provisions. These objections could stem from concerns over territorial concessions, the role of Hamas or other militant groups in post-war Gaza, or the enforcement mechanisms that might limit Israel's military autonomy. Such reservations are not uncommon in Israeli-US dialogues, where Israel's security imperatives often clash with broader US efforts to stabilize the region and court Arab partners.
Netanyahu's itinerary in the United States extends beyond the UN address. Following his speech on Friday, he is slated to meet with President Trump on Monday, September 29, 2025. This bilateral summit could prove decisive, potentially accelerating negotiations on the peace plan or addressing other flashpoints, such as Iran's nuclear ambitions, Hezbollah's activities in Lebanon, or the broader implications of the Yemen-based Houthi rebels' disruptions to global shipping. The Trump-Netanyahu relationship has historically been robust, with Trump recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital in 2017 and moving the US embassy there, as well as acknowledging Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights in 2019. These moves solidified Trump's standing among pro-Israel constituencies in the US and bolstered Netanyahu's domestic political position amid his own legal and electoral challenges in Israel.
One of the more unusual aspects of Netanyahu's journey to the US was the flight path taken by his aircraft. Rather than following a direct or conventional route, the plane charted a course over Greece and Italy, conspicuously avoiding French airspace. This deviation has sparked speculation and analysis in Israeli media outlets. The primary rationale appears linked to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant. The ICC, based in The Hague, Netherlands, accused the two leaders of war crimes and crimes against humanity in connection with Israel's military operations in Gaza. Specifically, the warrants allege responsibility for actions leading to civilian casualties, the use of starvation as a method of warfare, and other violations of international humanitarian law.
The ICC's involvement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict marks a significant escalation in international legal scrutiny. Established by the Rome Statute in 2002, the ICC prosecutes individuals for genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and crimes of aggression when national courts are unwilling or unable to do so. Israel, not a party to the Rome Statute, rejects the court's jurisdiction over its actions, arguing that it has a robust judicial system capable of investigating alleged misconduct. However, the Palestinian Authority's accession to the ICC in 2015 opened the door for investigations into events in the occupied territories. The warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant, issued in May 2024, have complicated international travel for Israeli officials, as member states are obligated to arrest and extradite individuals subject to ICC warrants. France, an ICC signatory, could theoretically enforce the warrant if Netanyahu's plane entered its airspace or if he landed there, prompting the precautionary rerouting.
This legal predicament underscores the broader international isolation Israel faces amid the Gaza conflict. Since the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, which killed approximately 1,200 Israelis and led to the abduction of over 250 hostages, Israel has conducted a massive military campaign in Gaza. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have targeted Hamas infrastructure, tunnels, and leadership, but the operations have resulted in devastating humanitarian consequences. According to Palestinian health authorities and international monitors, the death toll in Gaza has surpassed 65,500, with the majority being women and children. This staggering figure reflects the intensity of the bombardment, ground incursions, and siege tactics employed by Israel.
The war has rendered Gaza largely uninhabitable. Vast swathes of the enclave, home to over 2.3 million people before the conflict, have been reduced to rubble. Residential neighborhoods, schools, hospitals, and infrastructure have been destroyed or severely damaged. The United Nations has reported that over 80% of Gaza's buildings have been affected, leading to displacement on an unprecedented scale. More than 1.9 million Palestinians have been internally displaced, many seeking refuge in overcrowded camps or makeshift shelters in southern Gaza, such as Rafah, which itself became a target of Israeli operations in early 2024.
Compounding the physical destruction is a dire humanitarian crisis characterized by starvation and the outbreak of diseases. Israel's restrictions on aid deliveries, coupled with the collapse of local governance and supply chains, have led to acute food shortages. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has classified parts of Gaza as experiencing famine-like conditions, with children suffering from severe malnutrition. Water and sanitation systems have broken down, facilitating the spread of infectious diseases like cholera, hepatitis, and polio. International aid organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), have repeatedly called for unrestricted humanitarian access, but bureaucratic hurdles and security concerns have hampered relief efforts.
In addition to the ICC warrants, Israel is confronting a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the UN's principal judicial organ. Brought forward by South Africa in December 2023, the case alleges that Israel's actions in Gaza violate the 1948 Genocide Convention, to which both countries are parties. The ICJ, in provisional rulings issued in January and March 2024, ordered Israel to take measures to prevent genocide, ensure humanitarian aid reaches Gaza, and preserve evidence related to the allegations. While the ICJ's decisions are binding, enforcement relies on the UN Security Council, where the US has historically vetoed resolutions critical of Israel. The ongoing proceedings have amplified global calls for accountability, with protests erupting in cities worldwide and several countries, including Spain, Ireland, and Norway, recognizing Palestinian statehood in 2024 as a symbolic gesture.
The Gaza war's roots trace back to decades of unresolved conflict. The Israeli-Palestinian dispute centers on issues of territory, security, refugees, and Jerusalem's status. Gaza, a narrow strip of land bordered by Israel, Egypt, and the Mediterranean Sea, has been under Israeli blockade since 2007, following Hamas's electoral victory and subsequent takeover. The blockade, intended to prevent arms smuggling, has stifled economic development and fueled cycles of violence, including major escalations in 2008-2009, 2012, 2014, and 2021. The October 2023 attacks by Hamas, dubbed "Al-Aqsa Flood," were framed by the group as a response to Israeli policies in the West Bank and Jerusalem, but they triggered Israel's "Iron Swords" operation, aimed at dismantling Hamas's military capabilities.
Internationally, reactions have been polarized. The US has provided unwavering military and diplomatic support to Israel, vetoing UN Security Council resolutions calling for an immediate cease-fire and supplying billions in aid, including precision-guided munitions. European nations have been more divided, with some like Germany maintaining strong backing for Israel due to historical reasons, while others like Belgium and Sweden advocate for Palestinian rights. Arab states, signatories to the Abraham Accords, have expressed concern over the humanitarian toll but have not severed ties with Israel, prioritizing strategic interests against Iran. Iran, for its part, supports Hamas and Hezbollah through its "Axis of Resistance," escalating proxy conflicts across the region.
Netanyahu's leadership during this period has been contentious. Facing corruption charges in Israel—trials for bribery, fraud, and breach of trust that began in 2020—Netanyahu has used the war to rally national unity and delay judicial proceedings. His coalition government, the most right-wing in Israeli history, includes ultranationalist figures like Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, who advocate for expansive settlements in the West Bank and a hardline approach to Gaza. Critics argue that Netanyahu's prolongation of the war serves political survival, while supporters credit him with decisive action against existential threats.
As Netanyahu prepares for his UN address, the world watches closely. His speech could reiterate Israel's right to self-defense, criticize the UN's perceived bias, or signal openness to Trump's peace plan. The plan's 21 points reportedly include demilitarization of Gaza, international oversight of reconstruction, economic incentives for Palestinians, and security arrangements involving Egypt and Jordan. Objections from Netanyahu might focus on retaining Israeli control over border crossings or rejecting any role for the Palestinian Authority, seen by some Israelis as ineffective or complicit in terrorism.
The meeting with Trump on Monday holds potential for breakthroughs. Trump's "deal of the century" from his first term, unveiled in 2020, proposed a Palestinian state with limited sovereignty, Israeli annexation of settlements, and economic investments. Though rejected by Palestinians, it influenced subsequent diplomacy. The current plan may build on this, incorporating lessons from the Gaza war. Success could lead to a cease-fire, hostage releases, and regional stability; failure might exacerbate tensions, possibly drawing in Lebanon or Iran.
Humanitarian efforts continue amid the diplomacy. The UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), despite funding cuts from some donors over allegations of staff involvement in the October attacks, remains the primary aid provider in Gaza. Calls for a two-state solution persist, though prospects dim with expanding West Bank settlements—now housing over 700,000 Israelis—and fragmented Palestinian leadership.
In summary, Netanyahu's New York visit encapsulates the intersection of diplomacy, law, and conflict. As he navigates meetings, speeches, and legal perils, the outcomes could shape the Middle East's future. The Gaza toll—over 65,500 dead, millions displaced, an enclave in ruins—demands urgent resolution. Whether through Trump's plan or international pressure, the path forward remains fraught but essential for peace.
Expanding on Historical Context of US-Israel Relations
The relationship between the United States and Israel has been a cornerstone of American foreign policy since Israel's founding in 1948. The US was the first country to recognize Israel, and over the decades, it has provided extensive military, economic, and diplomatic support. This alliance is rooted in shared democratic values, strategic interests in the Middle East, and strong domestic lobbying by groups like the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). During the Cold War, Israel served as a bulwark against Soviet influence in the region. Post-9/11, cooperation intensified on counterterrorism, with Israel sharing intelligence on groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS.
Trump's first term marked a high point in this partnership. Beyond the embassy move and Golan recognition, he withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) in 2018, imposing "maximum pressure" sanctions on Tehran. This aligned with Netanyahu's long-standing opposition to the deal, which he famously criticized in a 2015 address to Congress. The Abraham Accords, brokered by Kushner, normalized relations without requiring Israeli concessions on Palestine, shifting the paradigm from "land for peace" to "peace for peace."
Under Biden (2021-2025), relations cooled slightly, with more emphasis on human rights and a two-state solution. However, post-October 2023, Biden reaffirmed US support, visiting Israel and approving aid packages. Trump's return in 2025 has restored the unabashed pro-Israel tilt, evident in Witkoff and Kushner's involvement.
Biographies of Key Figures
Benjamin Netanyahu, born in 1949, is Israel's longest-serving prime minister, holding office from 1996-1999 and 2009-2021, then again from 2022. A former commando in the IDF, he studied at MIT and worked in consulting before entering politics. Known as "Bibi," he's a master orator and strategist, but his tenure has been marred by scandals.
Steve Witkoff, a New York real estate mogul, became Trump's friend and envoy. His role in diplomacy stems from loyalty and business ties.
Jared Kushner, born 1981, married Ivanka Trump in 2009. He advised on policy despite no prior experience, authoring "Peace to Prosperity" plan.
Ron Dermer, born 1971 in Miami, served as ambassador 2013-2021, known for close ties to Republicans.
The UN General Assembly and Israel's Role
The 80th UNGA session, starting September 2025, addresses sustainable development, peace, and reform. Israel has a contentious history with the UN, facing numerous resolutions condemning its occupations. Netanyahu's 2015 speech featured a dramatic silence to highlight Iran's threats.
Implications of the ICC Warrant
The warrant limits travel; Netanyahu avoids ICC states. It symbolizes growing accountability demands, though US non-membership protects him there.
Gaza War Timeline
October 7, 2023: Hamas attacks.
October 8: Israel declares war, mobilizes 360,000 reservists.
November: Ground invasion begins.
December: Heavy fighting in Khan Younis.
2024: Rafah offensive, ICJ rulings.
2025: Death toll rises, no end in sight.
International Responses
EU calls for cease-fire, US blocks UNSC.
Protests globally, BDS movement gains.
Potential Outcomes
If plan succeeds, reconstruction with Gulf funds. If not, escalation risks wider war.
Economic Impact
Gaza's GDP plummeted, Israel faces recession from war costs.
Human Stories
Accounts of survivors, aid workers.
Cultural Aspects
War's effect on art, media in region.
Future Prospects
Two-state viability, role of youth.
The relentless bombardment of Gaza has not only caused immediate deaths but also long-term health crises. Children, making up nearly half of Gaza's population, have been disproportionately affected, with thousands orphaned and traumatized. Educational systems have collapsed, with over 625,000 students unable to attend school. The psychological toll is immense, with rates of PTSD soaring.
The spread of diseases is exacerbated by the destruction of healthcare facilities. Gaza's hospitals, like Al-Shifa and Al-Aqsa, have been raided or bombed, leading to accusations of targeting medical staff. The WHO has warned of a public health catastrophe, with vaccination campaigns disrupted and medical supplies scarce.
Starvation as a weapon has been a key allegation in the ICJ case. Israel's control over entry points has limited food imports, leading to prices skyrocketing and malnutrition rampant. Reports from UN experts indicate that the blockade amounts to collective punishment, prohibited under international law.
Israel defends its actions as necessary to eliminate Hamas, which it designates as a terrorist group. Hamas, founded in 1987 during the First Intifada, blends political and military wings, governing Gaza since 2007. Its charter calls for Israel's destruction, though it has offered long-term truces.
The hostage situation remains unresolved. Of the 251 taken on October 7, about 100 are believed alive in 2025, with negotiations mediated by Qatar and Egypt stalling over demands for prisoner exchanges and cease-fire terms.
Lebanon border tensions with Hezbollah have flared, with daily exchanges since October 2023, displacing 90,000 Israelis and 100,000 Lebanese. A full war could be catastrophic, involving missiles capable of striking Tel Aviv.
Iran's role is pivotal, supplying weapons to proxies. The US and Israel have conducted strikes on Iranian targets in Syria to disrupt supply lines.
Domestic US politics influence policy. Trump's base includes evangelical Christians who see Israel as fulfilling biblical prophecy. Democrats are more divided, with progressives criticizing Israel.
In Israel, protests against Netanyahu's judicial reform in 2023 morphed into war support, but fatigue grows with economic strain.
The peace plan's details, though partial, include:
Immediate cease-fire.
Hostage release.
Hamas disarmament.
PA return to Gaza.
International peacekeeping force.
Reconstruction funded by US, EU, Gulf states.
Economic zones for Palestinians.
Security guarantees for Israel.
Border adjustments.
Water rights agreements.
Refugee resettlement options.
Jerusalem status quo.
Settlement freeze.
Anti-incitement measures.
Education reforms.
Trade incentives.
Energy cooperation.
Tourism promotion.
Health initiatives.
Tech partnerships.
Monitoring mechanism.
Objections might target points 13-15, seen as limiting Israeli expansion.
Netanyahu's UN speech could address these, calling for UN reform to reduce anti-Israel bias.
His meeting with Trump might seal the deal, leveraging personal rapport.
In conclusion, this visit is a microcosm of the conflict's complexity, blending diplomacy, law, and human suffering.
