UN Blacklists Firms Linked to Israeli Settlements; Netanyahu Addresses General Assembly

The United Nations has expanded its "black list" of companies connected to Israeli settlements in the West Bank, adding 61 firms to the existing roster, bringing the total to 214. Among the newly listed entities are Tnuva, Aroma, and Booking.com. Israel's mission in Geneva denounced the decision as political slander and a tool to pressure businesses.

During his address at the UN General Assembly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced protests and boycotts from some delegations. He responded forcefully to his critics, reporting on successful operations against Hamas and Hezbollah, and warning Iran against nuclear threats. Netanyahu also labeled Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan a "tyrant" due to internal repression and support for terrorism, reiterating that Jerusalem will remain Israel's undivided capital.

Meanwhile, Iran engaged in active diplomacy at the UN, with its foreign minister holding talks with representatives from 24 countries, including the US special envoy, even as Washington intensified sanctions. Lebanon demanded Israel's withdrawal to the 1949 armistice lines, prioritizing refugee return, prisoner release, and state monopoly on weapons. Experts noted rising tensions on the Syrian front, where Turkish and Israeli military actions pose risks of dangerous incidents.

In a separate development, Iran proposed a seven-day plan to the US via Qatar to resolve the situation around the Strait of Hormuz, offering to open ports and the strait in exchange for sanctions relief. However, former US President Donald Trump rejected the offer, previously declaring the waterway under US control and reportedly considering renewed strikes after the November elections. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed a loss of trust in the US while maintaining contact through intermediaries and assured the international community of the new leader Mojtaba Khamenei's good health.

Further international developments include Yemen's government declaring general mobilization against the Houthis, offering amnesty for disarmament. Egypt completed a key stage at its first nuclear power plant, El-Dabaa, by installing a heavy reactor base plate. Russia's Defense Ministry claimed to have destroyed a major Starlink satellite communications hub in Kyiv and infrastructure in Odesa, though these claims lack independent verification. The US announced a $400 million military aid package for Ukraine, excluding Patriot missile interceptors but including ammunition and equipment.

Within the Palestinian Authority, the process for registering lists for the November 28 parliamentary elections has begun, with Hamas's participation uncertain due to new legislation requiring recognition of Israel. The Abraham Accords saw a summit in New York involving Israel, the US, UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Kazakhstan to foster economic and security cooperation. However, historical leaks published by media outlets suggest the UAE leader and Egyptian intelligence chief had warned Netanyahu of an impending Hamas attack before October 7, 2023, which Netanyahu's office denies receiving. Domestically, Israel experienced high tourist activity, though marred by incidents including a drowning near Ashkelon and a scorpion sting in the Negev. A forest fire near Jerusalem was contained. International disputes also affected travel, with an Air Seychelles flight from Israel to Mauritius canceled due to a landing permit denial, deemed a political decision. In sports, Ireland's goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu reportedly refused to play against Israel in the Nations League.