Netanyahu to address U.N. as Israel assaults Gaza, Trump says no West Bank annexation

Facing down a mass walkout and mounting diplomatic pressure, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Friday to “finish the job” as he defied growing isolation over his military’s devastating assault on the Gaza Strip

Facing down a mass walkout and mounting diplomatic pressure, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Friday to “finish the job” as he defied growing isolation over his military’s devastating assault on the Gaza Strip.

Netanyahu was met by a mix of jeers and applause as he spoke to a half-empty room at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. He instead directed his address to Israeli hostages still held in Gaza, Hamas fighters battling his troops and the host of world leaders who have moved to recognize Palestine as a state.

He reserved praise for President Donald Trump, who told reporters moments after Netanyahu finished his speech: “I think we have maybe a deal on Gaza.” The president, who will meet with his close ally next week, offered little further detail on talks, which have frequently broken down in the past.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the U.N. on Friday.Angela Weiss / AFP via Getty ImagesThe United States has stood by Israel while a growing list of countries have condemned its offensive in the besieged Palestinian territory. Netanyahu also branded as “shameful” the decision by a wave of countries to formally recognize a Palestinian state.

He touted Israel’s military operations across the Middle East and vowed to press ahead with the assault on Gaza.