Journalism of Courage
Telling the Hamas to “lay down arms,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his address at the United Nations General Assembly on Friday, said that “Israel must finish the job in Gaza as fast as possible” and told the hostages still held by the Palestinian militants they were not forgotten.
“Let my people go” and “free the hostages,” he said, adding, “If you do you will live, if you don’t, Israel will hunt you down.”
Displaying a large QR code on his lapel, containing Israel’s account of the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack, Netanyahu hailed Israel’s military operations in Gaza, calling the response to Hamas’s October 7 attack “one of the most stunning military comebacks in history,” but stressed that the fight is not over. He warned that Hamas still poses a threat and intends to repeat its atrocities.
He also took credit for actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon, key Hamas leaders, Houthi forces, and Iranian scientists, and highlighted Israel’s role in the fall of Syria’s Bashar al-Assad, without mentioning the name of the rebel offensive.
Netanyahu claimed that while many world leaders publicly criticise Israel, they privately thank the country for its intelligence services, which have repeatedly prevented terrorist attacks in their capitals. “You know deep down that Israel, Israel is fighting your fight,” he said.
Speaking directly to the families of hostages in Gaza, saying: “The people of Israel are with you. We will not falter and we will not rest until we bring all of you home.” Israeli officials have broadcast his speech throughout Gaza.
The Israeli Prime Minister credited Israeli and US forces for neutralising Iran’s missile defenses and targeting nuclear enrichment sites during a 12-day war in June, praising US President Donald Trump for “bold and decisive action.” Netanyahu urged the UN Security Council to reinstate snapback sanctions on Iran, stressing the need to prevent the country from rebuilding its nuclear capacity.
His speech provoked protests, with several delegations walking out in objection. As per a report by Washington Post, more than 100 diplomats from more than 50 countries walked out as Netanyahu entered the hall.
