Netanyahu Addresses UN General Assembly: Focus on Iran, Hostages, and Two-State Solution

UN General Assembly Address by Netanyahu

• 🎤 Prime Minister Netanyahu delivered a lengthy address to the UN General Assembly, which began with a walkout by some attendees and cheers from others.
• 🇮🇷 He commenced his speech by discussing Iran's missile program and Operation Rising Lion, thanking President Trump for his assistance.

Focus on October 7th and Hostages

• 🗓️ Netanyahu emphasized that the world may have forgotten October 7th, 2023, but Israel has not.
• 🤝 He stated that 207 hostages have been brought home, with 20 known to be alive, and read their names aloud.
• ⚠️ He urged Hamas to lay down weapons and free hostages, warning that Israel would hunt them if they did not comply.

Addressing Accusations and Gaza Situation

• 🚫 Netanyahu dismissed claims of genocide, stating Israel warned Gazans to evacuate and that Hamas is preventing their escape.
• 🍎 He also refuted claims of starvation, asserting that Hamas is stealing and hoarding aid.

Stance on Two-State Solution and Hostage Message

• ❌ Netanyahu declared that a two-state solution is not the way forward, comparing giving Palestinians a state near Jerusalem to giving al-Qaeda a state near New York City.
• 🗣️ In a particularly impactful moment, he spoke directly to hostages in Gaza via loudspeakers, assuring them in Hebrew and English that Israel has not forgotten them and is working to bring them home.

Comparison with Palestinian Authority President Abbas

• 🇵🇸 The speech followed an address by Palestinian Authority President Mahmud Abbas, who spoke remotely after being denied a US visa.
• 💥 Abbas denounced the October 7th attack as unrepresentative of the Palestinian people and vowed that Palestinians would remain in Gaza to rebuild.
• 🎯 Netanyahu concluded by stating that Israel must finish the job against Hamas remnants in Gaza City, vowing to do so as quickly as possible.