UNITED NATIONS — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave a defiant speech at the United Nations on Friday, characterizing Israel’s operations in Gaza and Lebanon as fights for the country’s survival and calling the United Nations, which has criticized Israel, an “A swamp of Jewish bile.” ”
He spoke in a nearly empty General Assembly hall, thanks to strikes by many national delegations. Meanwhile, in the press gallery open to UNGA attendees, a group of supporters chanted “Bibi, we love you” while others booed.
The exhibit showed how divided the United Nations is over the escalating situation in the Middle East. But Prime Minister Netanyahu’s position was clear. Israel is acting in self-defense and will not stop fighting to do so.
“It’s not about Gaza,” he said of criticism of the government’s response to the war, which has so far killed more than 41,000 people, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health. “It’s about Israel. It’s always been about Israel. About the very existence of Israel.”
Prime Minister Netanyahu did not mention the international efforts underway at the United Nations to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. On Friday, the Israeli military announced it had carried out an airstrike on Hezbollah’s central headquarters in Beirut. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was reportedly targeted in the attack, but it is unclear whether he was harmed.
The Israeli leader insisted that the military would continue to attack Hezbollah “with all its might” and noted that Hezbollah used human shields, but it was the death toll of Lebanese civilians that has reached more than 700 since Monday. Going up which would indicate that the number is probably increasing.
“Hezbollah is launching missiles from schools, hospitals and apartment complexes,” he said. “Hezbollah is putting its own people at risk. Missiles have been installed in every kitchen, in every garage.” In recent days, Israel has been preparing a ground invasion of Lebanon to eradicate Hezbollah. suggested that it was possible. (Please read here for details.)
Looking to the future, Prime Minister Netanyahu presented two maps showing the future Israel wants for the Middle East. One is labeled “Blessings” and presents a vision of “Israel connected to Europe” with “rail lines and fiber optic cables that will help uplift 2 million people”, while the second is “Curse”. ” and a map is displayed. He described the region as “Iran’s arc of terror.”
He directly warned Iran of supporting Hamas, Hezbollah and other proxies in the region that are attacking Israel.