After nearly a year since the outbreak of the war, and at the height of the conflict with Hezbollah, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke today (Friday) at the UN General Assembly. In his speech, he addressed the continuation of the fighting in Lebanon and the Iranian threat. "On October 7th, terrorists invaded Israel and inflicted the worst atrocities imaginable. We will not rest until the remaining hostages are brought home," he declared. "I have with me family members of the hostages. I promise all families, we will return your loved ones home. We will not stop until this is accomplished." "We are facing the curse of Iran or the blessing of Jew and Arab," Netanyahu stated, paraphrasing a verse in this week's Torah reading while displaying maps of two possible futures in the Middle East - one showing normalization with Arab countries, the other showing continued war against Iran and its allies. "Israel seeks peace, Israel makes peace, and Israel will make peace again." "Iran funds terror networks on five continents. For too long, the world has appeased Iran. That appeasement must end now." "I call on the Security Council to stop support for Iran, we must ensure that Iran never gets nuclear weapons. Iran's militia have targeted us as well. Residents of Judea and Samaria have also attacked Israel." My message to Tehran: "If you strike us, we will strike you. We will reach everywhere in the Middle East." United States President Joe Biden had addressed the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, which was opened in New York for the 79th time, discussing his vision for the future of the United States and the conflict in Israel. Related articles: Who will lead the ISA after Ronen Bar? 'Israel has become a fact of life for the Arab states' Netanyahu speaks with family of hostage Elkana Bochbot 'Our enemies wanted the budget to fail so the govt. would fall' "The nations of the world must not ignore the horrors that were committed on October 7," he said. "Hamas terrorists invaded Israel and slaughtered 1,200 people, including people who were dancing at a party, and committed acts of rape and sexual violence. I met with families of the hostages who are enduring unimaginable suffering." Netanyahu continued: "Terrorists steal food that we allow into Gaza, then they hype the prices, and that's how they stay in power. Hamas has got to go." "This war can come to an end now - Hamas has to surrender, lay down its arms and release all the hostages!" "On the day after the massacre, Hezbollah attacked Israel causing thousands of Israelis to be displaced. This has been going on for almost a year. The US would not accept this for even a day." "Hezbollah has fired rockets and missiles from private homes, schools and hospitals. Israel has no choice and Israel has every right to stop this. And that is exactly what we are going to do." "Peace with Saudi Arabia would enable partnerships in many, many fields, a true pivot of history, historical reconciliation between Mecca and Jerusalem." "One of the best ways to foil Iran's plans is to achieve this peace - also with the US and others who choose peace." "I believe this can materialize and much sooner than we believe. This is an opportunity that we and the world cannot let go by." "What choice would the world make - stand with a democracy and peace or a country that supports terror?" "Even in this hall - evil is portrayed as good and good is portrayed as evil. This is an absurdity - that all that we do - bringing food into Gaza - and we are portrayed as evil. No army has done what Israel has done to protect civilians." "I spoke from this podium, as Ambassador to the UN, in 1984 - 40 years ago. Then I spoke against a proposal to expel Israel from the UN. Now I am talking against the same proposal - not by Hamas, but by Mahmoud Abbas, who is supposed to be our peace partner." "During that speech, I told everyone - check your fanaticism at the door. And today I say the same. For the Palestinians this home of darkness is their home court." "The ICC does not consider Israel the democracy that it is. The real criminals are in Gaza, Iran, Yemen." "Those who stand with the side of evil, should be ashamed of yourselves. Israel will win this battle - because we don't have a choice. After generations where we were slaughtered and nobody stood up for us - we are now defending ourselves." "The torch of Israel will shine forever. Am Yisrael Chai."
