Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the recognition by some world leaders of a Palestinian state a "disgraceful capitulation," ahead of his flight to New York City on Wednesday night.

Netanyahu is traveling in order to address the United Nations General Assembly on Friday.

"The disgraceful capitulation of some leaders to Palestinian terror will not bind Israel in any way," Netanyahu stated. "A Palestinian state will not be established."

"I will tell our truth - citizens of Israel, the truth of IDF soldier, of our state. I will condemn those leaders who, instead of condemning the murderers, rapists, and burners of our children, want to give them a state in the heart of Israel. This will not happen," he added.

Netanyahu also confirmed that he will meet with US President Donald Trump in Washington during this visit, noting that he will discuss "the great opportunities our victories have brought, and out need to complete the war objectives," of returning all the hostages, defeating Hamas, and to "expand the circle of peace that has occurred for us in the wake of our historic victory" in the Israel-Iran War, and "the other victories that we have achieved."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara at Ben-Gurion Airport, September 25, 2025.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara at Ben-Gurion Airport, September 25, 2025. (credit: Avi Ohayon/GPO)

Netanyahu's meeting with Trump is expected to take place on Monday before the prime minister returns to Israel on Tuesday morning.

Ahead of his departure, protesters gathered at Ben-Gurion Airport on Wednesday evening, where they reportedly expressed opposition to the appointment of David Zini as head of the Shin Bet, opposed the continuation of the war in Gaza, and protested for the return of the hostages.

Protesters were also seen on Wednesday night calling for a deal to end the war and bring the hostages home at Tel Aviv's Begin Gate.

Discourse over Israeli-Palestinian conflict at UNGA

The UN General Assembly has been the scene of a lot of talk about a two-state solution. Several Western countries have used their platform there to announce their recognition of a Palestinian state.

During his speech at the UNGA, President Trump said at the plenum that "instead of giving in to Hamas' ransom demands, we should be united with those who want real peace and get the hostages back." 

The president added that "we can't get one or two; we need everyone, dead or alive."

Also at the UNGA, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said that Italy could recognize a Palestinian state only on condition that all Israeli hostages are released and Hamas is excluded from any government role.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto said that he was prepared to send 20,000 soldiers to Gaza as a peacekeeping force on Tuesday during his address at the UN General Assembly, and claimed Indonesia would recognize Israel the same day that the Jewish state recognizes a Palestinian state.

Reuters contributed to this report.