Netanyahu to Address UN General Assembly, Focusing on Iran Threat

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in New York for a brief visit centered on his address to the UN General Assembly. Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon stated that despite the tight schedule, Netanyahu will hold several political meetings and use the international platform to highlight the Iranian threat. Danon dismissed claims that security concerns led to the shortened visit, explaining that Netanyahu aims to return to Israel before the Sukkot holiday.

Danon indicated that Netanyahu's speech is expected to contain a surprise, similar to past addresses that featured visual aids, though he declined to provide details. The ambassador confirmed that Iran and its nuclear program would be a central theme, with Netanyahu set to present Israel's position on Tehran's intentions to world leaders. Danon refuted the Iranian president's portrayal of Iran as a victim, asserting that Tehran aims to create many victims globally.

He emphasized that Israel will not solely rely on the international community to counter the Iranian threat, stating, "If the world doesn't come, we will be there. We will not take any risks." Danon also mentioned an upcoming event at the UN Security Council against Iran, which he will attend with representatives from Bahrain, the UAE, and other nations, framing the confrontation with Tehran as a broader regional struggle.

Addressing criticism leveled against Israel during the General Assembly, Danon described the speeches as a "competition of who slanders more and who lies more," citing the UK, France, and Turkey among those making sharp remarks. He suggested that some international criticism of Israel crosses the line from legitimate policy debate into antisemitism, pointing to the application of different standards for Israel.

Despite his criticisms of the UN, Danon acknowledged the potential for diplomatic progress, noting ongoing contacts with Syria and Lebanon and interest from other countries in normalizing relations with Israel, spurred by the Abraham Accords. He stressed the importance of the UN General Assembly as the most significant global stage, with millions watching Netanyahu's address. Danon also expressed hope for a change in the UN's direction under future leadership, stating that any successor to Secretary-General António Guterres would be an improvement.