Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke to the United Nations General Assembly on Friday, calling on Hamas to "lay down arms" and insisting that "Israel must complete the mission in Gaza as quickly as possible."
He also promised the remaining hostages in the hands of Palestinian militants that they have not been forgotten.
Free the hostages," and "Let my people go," he said, concluding, "If you do you will live, if you don't, Israel will hunt you down.
Netanyahu held up a huge QR code on his lapel, explaining Israel's version of the October 7, 2023, Hamas-orchestrated assault, and boasted of Israel's military retaliation, saying it was "one of the most stunning military comebacks in history." Netanyahu highlighted that the war is not over yet, cautioning that Hamas continues to be a threat and will seek to repeat its atrocities.
He claimed credit for action against Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas leaders, Houthi militiamen, and Iranian scientists, and spoke of Israel's contribution to the collapse of Syria's Bashar al-Assad, without referring specifically to the rebel offensive.
Netanyahu asserted that most world leaders publicly vilify Israel but in private accept the country's security agencies, which have time and again foiled terror plots in their cities. "You know deep down that Israel, Israel is fighting your fight," he declared.
Speaking to the families of the hostages in Gaza, he stated, "The people of Israel stand with you. We will not weaken and we will not rest until we return all of you home." Israeli leaders played his speech across Gaza.
The Prime Minister attributed Israeli and US military for disabling Iran's missile defenses and striking nuclear enrichment facilities during a 12-day war in June, thanking US President Donald Trump for taking "bold and decisive action." He called on the UN Security Council to reimpose snapback sanctions on Iran, underlining the importance of avoiding Iran from reconstituting its nuclear capability.
Netanyahu's address evoked protests, and a number of delegations left in protest. More than 100 diplomats from over 50 countries left the hall upon Netanyahu's arrival, according to the Washington Post.
Read also| Trump Voices Frustrations with Allies, Yet Stresses NATO Treaty Will Endure
