Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a forceful address at the United Nations on Friday, warning of Iran’s escalating threat, defending Israel’s war efforts against Hamas and laying out a vision for a broader Middle East peace. His speech was marked by world leaders walking out of the room, showcasing the current tensions between Israel and other nations.
From the outset, Netanyahu highlighted the plight of hostages still held in Gaza following the Hamas attacks of Oct. 7, 2023. “Mr. President, the families of our dear hostages languishing in the dungeons of Gaza,” he began. Recalling the massacre, he said Hamas “stormed into Israel on Oct. 7 and committed acts of unspeakable savagery.” Speaking directly to the abductees, Netanyahu declared, “We have not forgotten you. Not even for a second … We will not falter, and we will not rest, until we bring all of you home.”
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The prime minister devoted much of his speech to Iran, which he accused of orchestrating a “terror axis.” Holding up the map he had displayed in 2023, Netanyahu said, “Last year, I stood at this podium, and I showed this map. It shows the curse of Iran’s terror axis.” He added: “Iran was rapidly developing a massive nuclear weapons program and a massive ballistic missile program.”
He also detailed Israel’s military responses across the region. “We’ve hammered the Houthis, including yesterday. We crushed the bulk of Hamas’s terror machine. We crippled Hezbollah, taking out most of its leaders and much of its weapons arsenal. And most importantly … we devastated Iran’s atomic weapons and ballistic missile programs.”
Turning to the international community, Netanyahu criticized what he described as “lawfare” and appeasement of Islamist extremism. In a sharp rebuke to European leaders who recently recognized Palestinian statehood, he said: “You know what message the leaders who recognize the Palestinian state this week sent to the Palestinians? It’s a very clear message: murdering Jews pays off.”
He then issued an ultimatum to Hamas: “Lay down your arms. Let my people go! Free the hostages! All of them. The whole 48. Free the hostages now! If you do, you will live. If you don’t, Israel will hunt you down.” Netanyahu promised that if Hamas complied, “Gaza would be demilitarized, Israel would retain overriding security control, and a peaceful civilian authority would be established by Gazans and others committed to peace with Israel.”
At one point he staged what he called a “pop quiz” for world leaders: “Who shouts ‘Death to America?’ … Who has murdered Americans and Europeans in cold blood?” He warned, “Our enemies hate all of us with equal venom. They want to drag the modern world back to the past … to a dark age of violence, fanaticism, and terror.”
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Yet amid his warnings, Netanyahu also cast a vision for peace. “Many of those who wage war on Israel today will be gone tomorrow. Brave peacemakers will take their place.” He concluded by invoking Israel’s endurance: “With God’s help, that strength and that resolve would lead us to a speedy victory and to a brilliant future of prosperity and peace.”
Netanyahu’s United Nations speech painted a stark picture of the threats facing Israel while laying out a bold roadmap for security and regional stability. The address left no doubt: Israel is determined to defend its people, hold its enemies accountable and shape the future of the region on its own terms.
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the upcoming book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment.
