Journalism of Courage
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to the United Nations General Assembly on Friday was streamed live across the Gaza Strip after the Israeli army took control of residents’ mobile phones.
Netanyahu confirmed the move himself in a post on X, writing: “In an unprecedented action, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a live broadcast from the UN building in New York, has announced that the IDF took control of the telephones of Gaza residents and Hamas members, and that his speech is now being broadcast live via the telephones.”
During his address, Netanyahu rejected Western recognition of a Palestinian state and declared that Israel “will finish the job in Gaza.” He also called on Hamas leaders to “surrender, lay down your weapons and release the hostages.”
Israeli outlets reported that some military officials had expressed concerns about the order, saying it could endanger soldiers. One officer told Haaretz the move was an act of “psychological warfare.”
The IDF declined to comment, referring questions to the Prime Minister’s Office, which has not yet responded.
