Netanyahu Addresses UN General Assembly, Vows Victory Over Iran

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a nearly 40-minute address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, outlining Israel's recent security challenges, particularly its conflict with Iran, while also confronting international criticism.

During his speech, Netanyahu asserted that Israel "will win" and has "no other choice," framing the current conflict as a fight for civilization. He highlighted Israel's actions against Iran, stating, "If we hadn't attacked Iran, we would all be dead," and described the decision to strike as "one of the easiest" he has made, protecting not only Israel but other nations as well. He linked this to the broader war since October 7, which he called the "darkest day in Israel's history," emphasizing that Israel rose to fight "like lions" despite facing seven fronts over three years.

Netanyahu also directly challenged international accusations, criticizing the notion of Israel being labeled "colonialist" and dismissing it as "nonsense," particularly in reference to France and Britain. He addressed claims of settler violence, arguing it was minor compared to thousands of Palestinian attacks. He also invoked biblical history in a message to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad regarding the Golan Heights.

Further into his address, the Prime Minister sharply criticized Qatar, accusing it of funding terrorism. He then turned his attention to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, labeling him a "tyrant," accusing him of hosting Hamas leaders, killing Kurds, and aspiring to rule Jerusalem. Netanyahu also condemned New York City Mayor Eric Adams, stating that many Jews in the city no longer feel safe since Adams's election, and pointed to an advisor who allegedly suggested the US deserved 9/11.

Concluding his speech, Netanyahu reiterated his belief in the eventual fall of the Iranian regime, asking the international community where they were when the regime "slaughtered thousands of its people." He ended with a message of Jewish connection to the land, stating, "The Land of Israel belongs to us," and concluded in Hebrew with "The Eternal One of Israel will not lie" and a holiday greeting.