Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to the United Nations General Assembly on Friday was marked by sharp divisions, with dozens of delegates staging a walkout in protest as he mounted a fiery defense of Israel’s war in Gaza and blasted recent international recognition of Palestinian statehood.

As Netanyahu took the podium, several diplomats left the chamber, while supporters in the balcony responded with a standing ovation. The split reaction underscored Israel’s growing isolation on the global stage amid accusations of war crimes and mounting calls for a ceasefire.

The Israeli leader lashed out at France, Britain, Canada, Australia, and other nations that have formally recognized a Palestinian state. “When the most savage terrorists on earth are effusively praising your decision, you didn’t do something right. You did something wrong. Horribly wrong,” he declared.

Netanyahu insisted that Palestinian rejection of a Jewish state lies at the heart of the century-long conflict. “Giving the Palestinians a state one mile from Jerusalem after October 7th is like giving al-Qaida a state one mile from New York City after September 11th. This is sheer madness,” he said.

He further rejected accusations of genocide in Gaza as “false,” dismissing the findings of a recent UN inquiry that concluded Israel was committing war crimes, including mass destruction and deliberate targeting of civilians.

The address came as Israel continues its expanded ground assault in Gaza, where humanitarian agencies warn of a deepening catastrophe.