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With large parts of the chamber empty, Netanyahu used the address to respond to international criticism of Israel, defend its campaign against Hamas, explain the decision to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities and warn of what he described as continuing threats to Israel’s security.
Trump's Board of Peace said last month it had reached an agreement for the "complete disarmament" of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza.
According to the US State Department, the agreement is "contingent on a complete cessation" of attacks by the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement, alongside several other conditions agreed upon during discussions involving the two countries.
In a post on social media on Saturday, Trump said discussions had involved leaders from Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Pakistan, Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan and Bahrain, alongside talks relating to the Iran crisis and a proposed “Memorandum of Understanding pertaining to PEACE”.
The UAE foreign ministry rejected the claims, saying they were “entirely unfounded” and stressing that relations with Israel are conducted through official and recognised diplomatic channels.
Israel’s Cabinet unanimously endorsed the appointment on Sunday, following Lotem’s nomination by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar on 15 April. The posting marks a significant diplomatic step, with Israel having recognised Somaliland in December 2025.
Benjamin Netanyahu said he chose to delay the public release of his medical report, explaining that he did not want the information to be shared during a period of heightened tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran. He said his concern was to avoid what he described as the spread of false narratives.
Benjamin Netanyahu said Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa had been asked not to enter the church out of concern for his safety. He said Iran had repeatedly targeted Jerusalem's holy sites with ballistic missiles.
A report by Middle East Eye published on Saturday said a panel of three judges submitted a confidential report to the court’s oversight body, the Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP), on March 9.
Netanyahu, who has visited Washington six times since Trump returned to office, the most by any foreign leader, was expected to push for a deal that would not only halt uranium enrichment but also restrict Iran’s ballistic missile programme and curb its support for armed groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.
Saudi Arabia highlighted its role in supporting stability, peace, and state-building initiatives in Somalia, noting that protecting territorial integrity is crucial for regional security. The statement also expressed solidarity with the Somali people amid rising political tensions.
Israeli Prime Minister remarks came on Friday, hours before the U.N. Security Council votes on a proposal by Russia and China to delay the sanctions, a move diplomats say is unlikely to succeed.