Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has sparked significant controversy, particularly among the Palestinians in Gaza. Using a method devised by Israeli intelligence, his speech was broadcast through loudspeakers and even streamed live on cell phones across Gaza. “I want to speak directly to those hostages through loudspeakers,” Netanyahu declared, emphasizing his desire to reach out to the 20 hostages still held by Hamas.
His remarks did not go unnoticed. Opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized the bold approach, stating, “To Netanyahu’s regret, he is not Kim Jong-un,” implying that the broadcast could jeopardize soldiers in the field. This sentiment echoed in a joint statement from families of soldiers who asserted that the loudspeakers were set up inside Gaza, which they deemed reckless given the current security situation. “He is doing PR at the expense of our children’s lives and security,” they lamented, reflecting deep frustrations with the government’s strategies.
During his speech, Netanyahu reassured the hostages and their families, saying, “We have not forgotten you. Not even for a second.” He promised that Israel would not rest until every hostage was brought home. Notably, this address came amid heightened tensions between Israel and the international community, as the U.N. faced criticism for its stance on Israel’s actions in Gaza. Delegates walked out during Netanyahu’s speech, leaving empty seats in the assembly, signaling discomfort with his message.
On the international stage, Netanyahu vehemently rejected calls for a Palestinian state. He pointed to a belief that nearly 90% of Palestinians celebrated Hamas’s attacks, claiming, “They danced on the rooftops. They cheered.” His comparison to 9/11 aimed to underline the threat he perceives from Hamas, framing it as a broader struggle against evil. “Giving the Palestinians a state one mile from Jerusalem after October 7th is like giving al-Qaida a state one mile from New York City after Sept. 11th,” he asserted, portraying any territorial concession as an act of folly.
Netanyahu’s speech included claims of military successes against threats from Iran and Hezbollah, recounting how Israel has thwarted their activities. He urged against letting Iran regain its military nuclear capacities, saying, “We must not allow Iran to rebuild its military nuclear capacities.”
Despite the gravity of the situation, Netanyahu’s address contained moments of levity. He humorously referenced past military operations, such as the use of pagers against Hezbollah, contrasting the effectiveness of military communication technologies with the importance of current operations.
The weight of Netanyahu’s remarks was compounded by the political landscape he navigates. He faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court, complicating his travels. Yet, he managed to avoid territories that would pose risks to his safety during his trip to New York, signaling a careful approach in a high-stakes environment.
In contrast, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas prepared to speak shortly after Netanyahu. His address characterized Israel’s actions as “genocide,” receiving applause from delegates—an episode that reflects the extreme division surrounding the debate on Israel and Palestine. This inner turmoil continues to highlight the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as differing narratives collide on the international stage.
Prior to this delicate gathering, former President Donald Trump made headlines by asserting that he would not allow any annexation of the West Bank, marking a significant stance on the evolving geopolitical dynamics. His comments came with a broader 21-point plan to address the conflict in Gaza, focusing on humanitarian considerations and hostage release.
With these developments at the UNGA, a palpable tension lingers. Netanyahu’s speech underscored an unyielding view on Israel’s position while facing growing opposition and scrutiny from an increasingly fragmented international community.
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