Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a defiant speech at the U.N. General Assembly, rejecting a U.S. cease-fire proposal aimed at halting Israel’s military campaign in Lebanon. He vowed that Israel would continue its operations against Hezbollah, emphasizing Israel’s military strength across the Middle East, particularly in Iran. “If you strike us, we will strike you,” Netanyahu said, warning Israel’s enemies that they had no place to hide.
As Israel’s military campaign in Lebanon intensifies, Netanyahu declared that Israel is “winning” and will keep fighting until Hezbollah is degraded. His comments clashed with U.S. efforts to broker a temporary 21-day truce, leaving U.S. officials frustrated, as they believed they had secured Israel’s cooperation for the cease-fire.
Netanyahu’s speech also sparked a backlash at the U.N., where several diplomats walked out in protest. He labeled the U.N. an “antisemitic swamp” and underscored his commitment to victory in the conflict, both in Lebanon and Gaza, where thousands of Palestinians have been killed since the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. Demonstrators outside the U.N. echoed growing international concerns over Israel’s military operations, with protests against the continued fighting.
Netanyahu’s address was filled with religious references and a stark warning about Iran’s influence in the region, holding up a map illustrating Tehran’s “Axis of Resistance,” encompassing countries like Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen. His remarks appeared to be more targeted at his domestic audience, as well as his U.S. supporters, than the diplomatic community, according to experts.
Despite international efforts to de-escalate the situation, Netanyahu pledged to keep fighting until Israel achieves “total victory,” dismissing any prospects for a temporary cease-fire. The U.S., along with European and Middle Eastern diplomats, remains focused on trying to prevent further escalation.