Netanyahu Hails Israel’s Comeback, Vows to Finish Hamas Fight

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel addresses the general debate of the General Assembly’s eightieth session.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the UN General Assembly on Friday that Israel had rebounded from “its darkest day” to deliver “one of the most stunning military comebacks in history,” declaring that his country will not rest until Hamas is eliminated and hostages are freed.

“Last year, I stood at this podium and showed this map. It illustrates the curse of Iran's terror axis,” he said.

“This axis threatens the peace of the entire world. It threatened the stability of our region and the very existence of my country, Israel.”

Recalling the Hamas-led attacks on 7 October 2023, when militants stormed Israel committing “acts of unspeakable savagery,” Netanyahu accused Iran and its regional allies of tightening “a noose of death around our throats.”

But the past year had transformed the balance of power, he added.

“We’ve hammered the Houthis, including yesterday. We crushed the bulk of Hamas’s terror machine. We crippled Hezbollah, taking out most of its leaders and much of its weapons arsenal… and most importantly, we devastated Iran’s atomic weapons and ballistic missile programmes.”

He described Israel’s 12-day conflict with Iran as a turning point, stating: “[US] President [Donald] Trump and I promised to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. And we delivered on that promise.”

Netanyahu cautioned that vigilance remains essential, urging that UN sanctions against Iran be reinstated to prevent the country from rebuilding its nuclear capabilities.

Turning to Gaza, he pledged to eradicate Hamas’s remaining forces. “The final remnants of Hamas are holed up in Gaza City. They vow to repeat the atrocities of 7 October again and again. That is why Israel must finish the job.”

He spoke directly to hostages held in Gaza: “This is Prime Minister Netanyahu speaking to you live from the United Nations. We have not forgotten you. Not even for a second. We will not rest until we bring all of you home.”

Netanyahu criticised recent recognitions of a Palestinian State by France, Britain, Australia, Canada, and others, calling it “a mark of shame” that rewarded “the most savage terrorists on earth.”

He insisted Israel “will not allow a terrorist state to be imposed on us,” adding: “My opposition to a Palestinian state is not simply my policy or my Government's policy. It is the policy of the State and people of Israel.”

“The rise of Israel did not mean that attempts to destroy us would end,” he said.

“It meant that we could fight back against those attempts. And that is exactly what Israel has done since 7 October.”