Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the UNGA session on 27th September where he declared that he has come to say ‘Enough is Enough’ to the atrocities of Hamas and Hezbollah. His statement contrasts sharply with the continuous barbarity in Gaza and Lebanon. Following his address on a very next day, Israel’s actions intensified, which led to the killing of Hezbollah’s Secretary General Hassan Nasrullah in Lebanon. The killing of Hassan Nasrullah is linked to the Netanyahu’s speech at UNGA where he mentioned Nasrullah and emphasized on Israel’s ability to target Iran’s proxies in Middle East by declaring that ‘there is no place in Iran—that the long arm of Israel cannot reach. And that’s true of the entire Middle East.’
He framed military actions as defensive measures against the threats posed by Iran and her affiliates. He wants to garner international support while justifying ongoing atrocities in Palestine and Lebanon. Netanyahu succeeded and was seconded by Joe Biden as he extended support to Israel’s military actions and labelled the killing of Hassan Nasrullah as the ‘measure of justice’. This context suggests that Netanyahu’s rhetoric at the UNGA was not only a declaration of intent but also a justification for ongoing atrocities in the region.
The Blessing & The Curse
Benjamin Netanyahu presented two maps characterized by provocative imagery which reflects the contrasting futures of the Middle East.
First was the map of Blessing. It showcases countries like Egypt, Sudan, and India, highlighting potential allies and regional cooperation. Netanyahu envisioned a land bridge connecting Asia to Europe through infrastructure projects benefiting 2 billion people.
Second was the map of the Curse which he termed as an ‘arc of terror’. It featured Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen. He linked these nations to instability and violence in the region by emphasizing Iran’s unwavering support to Hamas and Hezbollah. Notably, both the maps have omitted any references to Palestine but shows Gaza and West bank as the part of Israel.
Netanyahu’s maps have significant implications for regional diplomacy. By depicting Palestinian territories as a part of Israel, he explicitly showcased his ferocious designs which will surely increase tensions. Potential alliances with Arab nations suggest a shift toward regional cooperation against Iran. This cooperation may galvanize support for UN Security Council sanctions against Iran but this shift will potentially destabilize the already fragile geopolitical landscape in the Middle East.
Reminiscent of The Nazis & Atrocities of Israel
Netanyahu pictured Hamas as the reminiscent of the Nazi Holocaust and serve to portray Israel as a victim facing existential threats by reinforcing that she is the sole protector of Jews in the whole world. However, ground realities tend to differ. Humanitarian conditions in Gaza and Lebanon truly depicts the true face of Israel masked in savagery and barbarianism. Reports suggests that the death toll in Gaza is over 40,000 including 11,000 innocent children. More than 100,000 Palestinians are severely wounded. Approximately 1.5 million people are internally displaced with many living in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. Access to basic needs have been blocked. This blockade has led to severe shortages of food, clean water, and medical supplies. Hospitals are non-functional due to damage or lack of resources. Reports indicate that over half of Gaza’s water and sanitation facilities have been destroyed as well. More than 90 percent of the population is homeless with families seeking refuge in overcrowded UN schools that have also been bombed. The overall public order has collapsed leading to rampant lawlessness and misery. ‘UN Report of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel’ highlights significant violations of International Laws. The report accuses Israeli authorities of committing war crimes including massacres, starvation and intentional attacks on children and women particularly through the use of heavy weaponry in densely populated areas. Specific forms of sexual and gender-based violence was identified as a part of Israeli military operations aimed at humiliating the Palestinian community.
Number of causalities in Lebanon are more than 700 and thousands of injuries including civilians. Many Lebanese are facing displacement and insecurity as Israeli military operations intensify. The destruction of infrastructure further complicates aid efforts, leading to fears that the situation in Lebanon might be the next Gaza.
Netanyahu’s UNGA address serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding this conflict. He catalyzes cycle of violence by picturing barbaric military actions as necessary for national security while the assassination of Nasrallah may ignite further hostilities with unpredictable consequences.
Both Gaza and Lebanon are experiencing catastrophic humanitarian crises characterized by high casualty rates, widespread displacement, and severe shortages of basic amenities. These atrocities call for the accountability and adherence to International Humanitarian Law but it will bring no good to the oppressed. The forefathers of Netanyahu, who devised ‘The Protocols of Learned Elders of Zion’ already articulated, “And the weapons in our hands are limitless ambition, burning greediness, merciless vengeance, hatred and malice. It is from us that the all-engulfing terror proceeds. By these acts all states are in torture; they exhort to tranquility, they are ready to sacrifice everything for peace: but we will not give them peace until they openly acknowledge our international Super-Government and with submissiveness.”
