September 26, 2025 11:51 PM IST
First published on: Sep 26, 2025 at 09:58 PM IST
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holds up a map while speaking at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, at U.N. headquarters. (AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu brandished a map he labelled “The Curse” at the United Nations General Assembly on Friday, marking in black the countries and regions where Israel has targeted adversaries — from Iran and Yemen to Lebanon and Syria — and warning Iraqi militia leaders they could face the same fate if they moved against Israel.
The dramatic prop was part of a combative address in New York, where Netanyahu declared Israel “must finish the job” against Hamas in Gaza and pressed world leaders to maintain pressure on Iran. “We lifted a dark cloud that could have claimed millions and millions of lives,” he said, crediting Israeli pilots and US forces for crippling Tehran’s missile defences during the 12-day war in June. “But, ladies and gentlemen, we must remain absolutely clear-minded and vigilant.”
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Dozens of delegates walked out of the hall as Netanyahu took the stage, though the US delegation stayed in place and some applause was heard. Returning to one of his trademark tactics of using props, Netanyahu also displayed a multiple-choice board and a QR code on his lapel, which he said linked to Israel’s account of the October 7 Hamas-led attack. Throughout the speech, he praised US President Donald Trump for his “bold and decisive action,” calling him Israel’s main ally in political and military efforts.
“I want to thank President Trump for his bold and decisive action,” Netanyahu declares. “President Trump and I promised to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, and we delivered on that promise.”
“We lifted a dark cloud that could have claimed millions and millions of lives,” he argues. “But, ladies and gentlemen, we must remain absolutely clear-minded and vigilant.”
“We must not allow Iran to rebuild its military nuclear capacity,” he says, adding that Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles must be eliminated and UN Security Council sanctions on Iran “must be snapped back.”
Netanyahu has faced accusations of war crimes and increasing calls from abroad to halt the war. Friday’s appearance at the UN was his chance to set out Israel’s position before the international community.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holds up a map while speaking at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, at U.N. headquarters. (AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah)
