New York: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a strong message to the United Nations on Friday, vowing to continue Israel’s strikes against Iranian-backed fighters in Lebanon. As hopes for a ceasefire fade, Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s right to defend itself amid escalating violence between Hezbollah and Israel.
“As long as Hezbollah chooses the path of war, Israel has no choice, and Israel has every right to remove this threat and return our citizens to their homes safely,” Netanyahu told the UN General Assembly, referring to the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah.
“Israel has tolerated this intolerable situation for nearly a year. Well, I’ve come here today to say enough is enough,” he added. The statement drew mixed reactions, with several delegations walking out while Netanyahu’s supporters in the gallery applauded.
In southern Lebanon, Israel’s military continued strikes on Hezbollah targets as diplomats voiced concerns that the conflict could expand into a wider regional war, potentially drawing in Iran. Netanyahu held Iran responsible for the violence, accusing Tehran of orchestrating the conflict through Hezbollah, Hamas, and other regional militias.
“There is no place in Iran that the long arm of Israel cannot reach. And that’s true for the entire Middle East. Far from being lambs led to the slaughter, Israeli soldiers have fought back with incredible courage,” Netanyahu said. “I have another message for this assembly and the world outside this hall: We are winning.”
Hezbollah Targeted, Ceasefire Talks Stalled
Netanyahu reaffirmed that Israel would continue its military campaign against Hezbollah until all objectives are achieved. Meanwhile, ceasefire discussions for Lebanon continued, though Netanyahu showed no signs of easing Israel’s military operations. The US warned that further escalation could delay the safe return of civilians on both sides.
“We’ll continue degrading Hezbollah until all our objectives are made,” Netanyahu declared.
Calls for Renewed Iran Sanctions
Netanyahu also urged the UN to reinstate sanctions against Iran, warning that the country’s nuclear ambitions pose a global threat. He called for the “snapback” of sanctions that were lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal, which is set to expire in 2025.
“I call on the Security Council to snap back sanctions against Iran because we must all do everything in our power to ensure that Iran never gets nuclear weapons,” Netanyahu said, reiterating Israel’s commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear arsenal.
“Iran now seeks to weaponize its nuclear program. For the peace and security of all your countries, Israel will do everything in its power to stop it.”
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Ongoing Conflict with Hamas in Gaza
On the war in Gaza, Netanyahu stated that Israel’s military campaign would continue until Hamas militants responsible for the October 7 attack surrender and release the hostages. He emphasized that total victory over Hamas was Israel’s goal.
“We’ll fight until we achieve victory, total victory; there is no substitute for it,” he said, addressing families of the hostages who were present in the hall.
The conflict in Gaza, which began when Hamas militants launched a deadly attack on Israeli communities, has since led to widespread destruction in Gaza. Israeli military strikes have displaced nearly all of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, and Palestinian health officials report over 41,000 deaths since the fighting began.
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Criticism and Global Calls for Ceasefire
Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri condemned Netanyahu’s speech, calling it “full of lies and contradictions.” He dismissed Netanyahu’s demand for Hamas to surrender, stating, “Surrender is not in the movement’s vocabulary.”
The international community remains divided over the conflict, with several leaders calling for an immediate end to hostilities. Slovenia’s Prime Minister Robert Golob and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif both urged Israel to halt the military campaign and called for a ceasefire during their speeches at the General Assembly.
