Key Takeaways From Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu's Speech at UNGA

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a powerful speech at the United Nations General Assembly, emphasizing Israel's right to defend itself and pushing back against criticisms of its military actions. In his speech, Netanyahu declared that Israel is "fighting for its life" in response to ongoing conflict, while also focusing on the broader issue of peace in the Middle East.

Addressing ‘Lies and Slanders’

Netanyahu opened his speech by explaining that he had not intended to attend the UN this year, as Israel is fully engaged in conflict. However, he decided to address the Assembly after hearing what he described as “lies and slanders” about Israel. “I came to speak the truth,” he stated, positioning his speech as an effort to set the record straight on Israel's position and actions.

“Israel seeks peace, Israel yearns for peace, Israel has made peace and will make peace again,” Netanyahu said. He characterized the nation's enemies as “savage” forces determined to destroy not just Israel but civilization itself.

Israel-Saudi Peace Deal Delayed by War

Netanyahu also touched on the potential Israel-Saudi Arabia peace agreement, which he said was on the verge of being finalized before the October 7 Hamas attack. He described the attack as a horrific event, where Hamas fighters killed, raped, and burned Israeli civilians. Netanyahu linked this violence to what he described as the broader threat posed by Iranian-backed militias across the region.

He emphasized that Israel is continuing its military operations with success, including bringing home 154 hostages from Gaza, with many of these releases occurring during a truce in November. However, he vowed that Israel would not rest until all remaining hostages are brought home.

Threats from Iran and Hezbollah

Much of Netanyahu's speech was dedicated to what he called Iran's dangerous influence across the Middle East. He warned that if Iran’s nuclear program is not curtailed, it will endanger the entire region. He held up two maps—one illustrating the “blessing” of a peaceful Middle East and the other showing the “curse” of Iranian-backed forces forming a crescent of allies across the region.

“For too long, the world has appeased Iran,” Netanyahu declared. “That appeasement must end, and it must end now.”

Netanyahu also warned Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militia in Lebanon, that Israel would continue its operations in southern Lebanon until Hezbollah is significantly weakened. He accused Hezbollah of using Lebanese civilians as human shields, hiding rockets in residential homes, and violating UN Security Council resolutions by maintaining a military presence on Israel's border.

Continuing the Fight Against Hamas

In addition to addressing Hezbollah, Netanyahu reiterated that Israel's campaign against Hamas would continue until the militant group is removed from power in Gaza. “Hamas has got to go,” he said, rejecting any international efforts that would allow Hamas to play a role in Gaza’s future governance.

He also criticized Hamas for stealing humanitarian aid meant for civilians in Gaza, using it to fund their military activities instead. Netanyahu stated that Israel would work to prevent this from happening again.

Denouncing Global Critics

Netanyahu reserved sharp criticism for what he called “self-described progressives” who support Iranian-backed forces or protest Israel’s actions. He argued that these critics were supporting a regime that funds terror against not just Israel, but democratic values worldwide.

Addressing accusations of genocide against Israel, Netanyahu dismissed them as “moral confusion” and accused the International Criminal Court (ICC) of hypocrisy for targeting Israeli leaders while ignoring crimes committed by terrorists.

Israel’s Mission: Winning for Survival

Netanyahu ended his speech on a defiant note, declaring that Israel would prevail in its battles because it has no choice. “Israel will not go gently into that good night,” he said, quoting poet Dylan Thomas, reinforcing that the country’s survival was at stake.

He urged the global community to stand with Israel against its enemies, particularly Iran, and closed his speech with a message of encouragement to Israeli citizens and soldiers: “Am Yisrael Chai”—The people of Israel live.

As Netanyahu left the podium, he made it clear that Israel would continue to defend itself, pursue peace, and fight against forces that threaten its existence.