Netanyahu Issues Strong Warning to Iran and Hezbollah at UN, Rejects Proposed Truce
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a forceful speech at the United Nations General Assembly on Friday, rejecting a 21-day truce proposed by the United States and France and vowing to continue Israel’s offensive against Lebanon’s Hezbollah.
In his address, Netanyahu firmly stated, “As long as Hezbollah chooses the path of war, Israel has no choice, and Israel has every right to remove this threat and ensure the safety of our citizens.” He reiterated Israel’s commitment to degrading Hezbollah until all military objectives are met, dismissing hopes for a ceasefire agreement recently put forward by US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Netanyahu’s statements directly contradicted the White House’s announcement that the ceasefire proposal had been “coordinated” with Israel. A statement from the Israeli Prime Minister’s office clarified that Netanyahu had not formally responded to the truce offer.
The speech, which drew mixed reactions from UN delegates, saw several representatives, including those from Lebanon, Iran, and the Palestinian territories, walk out in protest. On the other hand, Netanyahu’s supporters applauded and cheered his remarks as he criticized the global organization for its perceived anti-Israel stance.
During his speech, Netanyahu also addressed Iran, issuing a stark warning: “I have a message for the tyrants of Tehran: If you strike us, we will strike you. There is no place in Iran that the long arm of Israel cannot reach, and that’s true for the entire Middle East.”
The prime minister’s address followed recent escalations in Lebanon, as Israeli forces intensified their military actions against Hezbollah in response to missile attacks from the Iran-backed militant group. Netanyahu’s rhetoric suggested a continued campaign against Hezbollah and the possibility of extending hostilities if Israeli interests are threatened.
His speech was met with condemnation from several UN member states and sparked protests outside his hotel in New York, where demonstrators called for an end to the violence in Gaza and Lebanon. Netanyahu, however, dismissed these criticisms, stating, “I came here to set the record straight after hearing the lies and slanders leveled at my country by many of the speakers at this podium.”
