UNITED NATIONS (AP) — In a powerful address from the United Nations, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East remain unresolved, vowing to continue military action against Hezbollah and Hamas until Israel achieves "total victory." Following his remarks, explosions were reported in Beirut, with the Israeli military confirming strikes on Hezbollah's headquarters. The specifics of the attack were not immediately disclosed, but it prompted Netanyahu to curtail his visit to New York and return to Israel a day early, even traveling on the Jewish Sabbath.
Israel has every right to eliminate this threat and ensure the safety of our citizens," Netanyahu asserted, receiving applause from supporters in the General Assembly. He declared, "We’ll continue degrading Hezbollah until all our objectives are met." His entrance was met with boos and protests from various delegates, some of whom exited the hall in response.
Netanyahu’s comments came amidst international mediation efforts to de-escalate the intensifying conflict in Lebanon, where Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah targets have resulted in significant casualties. The death toll in Lebanon has surged into the hundreds, raising concerns about the potential for an all-out war. In response to the crisis, the United States, France, and other allies have called for an "immediate" 21-day cease-fire to facilitate negotiations. While Israel has indicated that discussions are in progress, Hezbollah has stated it will continue its attacks until the conflict in Gaza concludes.
Hezbollah initiated its attacks on Israel in solidarity with Hamas just one day after the latter's assault on October 7. Since then, both sides have engaged in a near-daily exchange of fire, which escalated significantly following a series of explosive devices targeting Hezbollah operatives—an action largely attributed to Israel. This ongoing conflict has led to the displacement of tens of thousands of individuals on both sides of the border.
Facing mounting pressure from his government and Israeli citizens affected by the violence, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has committed to delivering a significant blow to Hezbollah. Recent Israeli operations have specifically targeted the leadership of the group. “Imagine if terrorists turned cities like El Paso and San Diego into ghost towns… How long would the American government tolerate that?” Netanyahu questioned, emphasizing that Israel has endured this "intolerable situation" for nearly a year. “I’m here to say: Enough is enough.”
Netanyahu also condemned Iran as a destabilizing factor in the region, highlighting its support for both Hamas and Hezbollah, and warned Tehran: “If you strike us, we will strike you.” Notably, the seats reserved for the Iranian delegation remained empty during his address.
Outside the UN venue, demonstrators protested against Netanyahu and Israel’s policies, standing behind police barricades. Armed with visual aids, Netanyahu defended Israel’s actions in response to Hamas’s attack, detailing that the Israeli military has destroyed a significant portion of Hamas’s rocket stockpile, neutralized half of its combatants, and dismantled many of its underground tunnels. He asserted that Israel's focus remains on eliminating the remaining capabilities of Hamas in the ongoing conflict.
As the conflict in Gaza approaches its second year, the prospects for peace remain bleak. Efforts to negotiate a cease-fire have repeatedly faltered, primarily due to Hamas's demand for a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops and Israel's insistence on maintaining military presence in specific regions. The toll on civilians continues to escalate; approximately 100 hostages remain held in Gaza amid ongoing violence. Recent statistics from Gaza's Health Ministry indicate that Israeli military actions have resulted in over 41,500 Palestinian deaths and injuries to more than 96,000, with more than half of those killed being women and children, including around 1,300 infants under two years old.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defends the military operations as necessary for national security, stating, “This war can come to an end now. All that has to happen is for Hamas to surrender, lay down its arms, and release all the hostages.” He reiterated that if Hamas does not comply, Israel will continue its fight until achieving “total victory.”
In addition to discussing the conflict, Netanyahu also sought to revive talks regarding Israel's relations with Saudi Arabia, reflecting on efforts made last year before they were interrupted by Hamas's attacks. These developments have intensified scrutiny over whether ties with Saudi Arabia can truly exist without progress toward Palestinian statehood. As Netanyahu spoke, disruptions in the audience required the presiding diplomat to call for order, underscoring the charged atmosphere surrounding the discussion.
During the U.N. General Assembly on Friday, the speakers preceding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly condemned Israel's actions in the ongoing conflict. Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob urged Netanyahu directly, stating, “Mr. Netanyahu, stop this war now,” as he emphatically pounded the podium in his closing remarks. Similarly, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif characterized the situation in Gaza as “not just a conflict,” but rather a “systematic slaughter of innocent people of Palestine,” prompting applause from the audience as he struck the rostrum.
The criticism of Israel extended beyond Friday’s speeches. On Thursday, both Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and a senior Lebanese official voiced their concerns to fellow leaders. Abbas began his address by repeating the phrase “We will not leave” three times in reference to the situation in Gaza, accusing Israel of rendering the region unlivable. Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bouhabib condemned Israel’s “systematic destruction of Lebanese border villages,” warning that “the crisis in Lebanon threatens the entire Middle East.” He echoed the sentiment for peace, stating, “We wish today to reiterate our call for a cease-fire on all fronts.”
These statements reflect the growing international concern over the escalating violence and the humanitarian crisis in the region, underscoring the urgent calls for peace and accountability from various world leaders.