Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the United Nations, emphasizing that the conflicts in the Middle East were far from over. He vowed to continue battling Lebanese Hezbollah and defeat Hamas in the Gaza Strip until achieving “total victory.” Shortly after his speech, blasts rocked Beirut, and Israeli strikes targeted Hezbollah’s headquarters, prompting Netanyahu to return home early. International mediation efforts were ongoing to curb the escalating conflict in Lebanon, with calls for a cease-fire from the US, France, and allies.
Netanyahu pointed to Iran as a destabilizing force, warning Tehran that Israel will strike back if attacked. He defended Israel’s actions in response to Hamas’ attack, which has led to the deaths of tens of thousands in Gaza. Netanyahu called for Hamas to surrender and end the conflict, emphasizing that Israel would continue fighting until achieving “total victory.” Despite multiple attempts at cease-fires, the war in Gaza has stretched into its second year, with no resolution in sight.
Netanyahu also made an appeal for Israeli-Saudi relations, but ongoing conflicts have hindered progress. The General Assembly saw various leaders condemning Israel’s actions, including calls to stop the war and accusations of systematic slaughter in Palestine. The crisis in Lebanon was also highlighted, with calls for a cease-fire on all fronts. Iran used its “right of reply” to criticize Israel as a source of instability in the region. The situation in the Middle East remains tense, with no immediate resolution in sight.
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