Parents of soldiers blast PM for using their sons in his ‘meglomaniac’ plan to broadcast UN speech across Gaza

Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent

IDF trucks with loudspeakers seen on the border of the Gaza Strip, apparently preparing to enter, readying to broadcast Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech at the UN to Palestinians, September 26, 2025. (Social media; used in accordance with Clause 27a of the Copyright Law)
IDF trucks with loudspeakers seen on the border of the Gaza Strip, apparently preparing to enter, readying to broadcast Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech at the UN to Palestinians, September 26, 2025. (Social media; used in accordance with Clause 27a of the Copyright Law)

A protest group representing mothers of combat soldiers slams Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for ordering the IDF to hook up loudspeakers throughout the Gaza Strip to broadcast his speech to the UN General Assembly live to its residents.

“How long will you use our sons for your personal campaign? They are not just extras in your war [movie] frame. They are not scenery in your megalomaniac show,” the Ima Era (Wide-awake Mother) group says in a statement.

“We appeal and demand from the chief of staff and also from the general of the Southern Command: The responsibility for the lives of the troops is in your hands. You must not give in to this madness,” they add.

The unusual and controversial move has also been met with angry responses from families of several hostages held by Hamas.

The IDF declines to comment and has directed journalists to contact the Prime Minister’s Office, which has not yet issued a response.

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