Netanyahu at UN: Israel’s Comeback, Warning on Iran’s Blackmail, and Condemnation of Palestinian State Recognition

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief

UNITED NATIONS (Worthy News) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a defiant address at the United Nations General Assembly, warning world leaders that Iran’s ballistic missile ambitions threaten not only Israel but also the global order. He hailed Israel’s recent military victories as one of history’s “most stunning comebacks” and condemned nations recognizing a Palestinian state, calling it a “mark of shame.”

Iran’s Missile Program and Global Blackmail

Netanyahu opened by focusing squarely on Iran, describing its nuclear and missile programs as tools of “blackmail against nations everywhere.”

“Iran was rapidly developing a missile program, intended to destroy Israel, the U.S., and blackmail nations across the globe,” he declared.

He pointed to the 12-day war with Iran earlier this year, when Israeli and U.S. pilots coordinated strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities, missile depots, and Revolutionary Guard infrastructure. “We devastated Iran’s nuclear program. Half of the Houthi leadership is gone. Hezbollah is gone. Militias in Iraq are gone. Iran’s top military commanders are gone too,” Netanyahu said.

Though weakened, he cautioned that Tehran’s ambitions remain. “We must not allow Iran to rebuild its capabilities,” he urged. “A regime that seeks atomic weapons and the missiles to deliver them is not only Israel’s enemy, it is the enemy of the entire world.”

October 7th and Hostage Crisis

Recalling Hamas’s October 7 massacre, Netanyahu called it “the worst attack on Jews since the Holocaust,” detailing atrocities including beheadings, burned infants, and kidnapped families. He reminded the world that American citizens were among the victims.

Speaking directly to hostages through megaphones placed at Gaza’s outskirts, Netanyahu said: “Our brave heroes, this is PM Netanyahu, speaking from the UN. We have not forgotten you. We will not rest until we have brought all of you home.”

His message to Hamas was blunt: “Lay down your weapons and release the hostages now, and the war will end. Refuse, and Israel will hunt you down.”

Criticism of World Leaders

Netanyahu accused many Western governments of hypocrisy — condemning Israel publicly while privately thanking it for eliminating terrorists who threaten the wider world.

“The Chancellor of Germany admitted Israel is doing the dirty work for all of us,” he noted.

He rejected claims of genocide in Gaza, saying Israel has taken extraordinary measures to warn civilians. “Would a country committing genocide plead with a population to leave before striking? Did the Nazis ask Jews to leave before annihilating them? Of course not.”

Palestinian Statehood as “Rewarding Terror”

Netanyahu directed harsh criticism at Canada, Australia, the UK, France, Portugal, and other countries that formally recognized a Palestinian state this week.
“When the most savage terrorists on Earth praise your decision, you didn’t do something right. You did something horribly wrong,” he charged. “Your disgraceful decision will encourage terrorism against Jews and against innocent people everywhere. It will be a mark of shame on all of you.”

He dismissed the two-state solution as a fantasy, arguing Palestinians want Israel’s destruction, not coexistence. “Every time they were offered a state, they responded with violence. Over 90% of Israelis oppose a Palestinian state. We will not allow a terror state one mile from Jerusalem.”

Iran, Syria, Lebanon, and Regional Prospects

Netanyahu tied Israel’s victories over Iran and its proxies to new diplomatic opportunities. “Our victories over the Iranian terror axis have opened possibilities for peace that were unthinkable two years ago,” he said.

On Syria, he revealed ongoing negotiations with the new Syrian government, emphasizing protection of the Druze minority. “Israel could not stand by while Druze were slaughtered by jihadists,” he said, adding that Israeli forces had intervened to stop massacres.

In Lebanon, Netanyahu urged the disarmament of Hezbollah. “If Lebanon takes genuine action to disarm Hezbollah, peace is possible,” he said. “Until then, Israel will take whatever action is necessary to defend itself.”

Looking further ahead, Netanyahu predicted a transformed region: “In the coming years, the Middle East will look dramatically different. Many who wage war on Israel today will be gone tomorrow. The long-suffering Iranian people will regain their freedom, and Israel and Iran will restore a friendship that will benefit the entire world.”

Conclusion: Israel’s Resolve

Closing his address, Netanyahu said Israel’s survival is no longer dependent on others.

“For centuries, Jewish blood was cheap. We had to beg others to defend us. The rise of Israel meant we could fight back. And that is exactly what we have done,” he said.

“Our sons and daughters fought like lions, armed with the dreams of a hundred generations — the dream of living as a free people in our beloved homeland for more than 3,000 years. On October 7, our enemies tried to extinguish our light. Two years later, Israel’s resolve burns brighter than ever. With God’s help, that resolve will lead us to victory, prosperity, and peace.”

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