Netanyahu lashed Mamdani in fiery U.N. speech, but real aim was his own political survival, analyst says - cbsnews.com

Netanyahu used the speech to defend the seven month war on Iran launched jointly by the U.S. And Israel, and he rejected allegations of genocide in Gaza. He also took aim at New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. Diplomats from more than 70 nations were in the process of walking out as Netanyahu spoke, according to the report.

A veteran Israeli political analyst told CBS News on Friday that the speech was not really about the walkout or about Mamdani. The analyst said Netanyahu's primary goal was shoring up his own political position at home.

The walkout gave the world a visual snapshot of how isolated Netanyahu has become on the international stage, even as he pressed forward with a defiant, combative tone. For Netanyahu, the speech served double duty, projecting strength abroad while telling voters and rivals back home that he refuses to bend under pressure.

Netanyahu dared the remaining skeptics in the room to join the exodus. Most had already left before he finished making the offer.